Oct 28, 2014

Grant will aid New York apples

New York City consumers will get better connected to the state’s apple growers and cider makers thanks to a $75,000 grant just awarded from USDA.

The New York Apple Association (NYAA) received the grant from a federal program established by the 2014 Farm Bill to support producers of specialty crops. The funds will be used to educate New York City consumers about the state’s apples and cider, and to encourage and help them visit local apple orchards, according to NYAA.

NYAA will work with EscapeMaker.com, an online guide to local agritourism getaways, to conduct The NYC Applelooza. The campaign will provide New York City consumers with information about the health benefits of New York state apples, while also sampling the many apple varieties available from across the state. Information about visiting pick-your-own apple orchards will be provided at Greenmarkets across New York City, and at special events such as EscapeMaker.com’s annual Local Food & Travel Expo.

“Increasing New York City residents’ awareness of the state’s apples and cider will help our industry to be more competitive in a crowded food marketplace,” said NYAA President Jim Allen. “Our industry is grateful to USDA and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for making possible this outreach to an influential cross-section of the downstate public.”