Apr 7, 2007

Letter to the Editor: Michigan Apple Committee Should be Commended

Kudos to the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) for standing up and sending a strong message to MSU (Michigan State University) that said “buy Michigan apples.” I was astonished to read that MSU actually used the excuse that Michigan apples didn’t meet their quality standards and had reverted to purchasing Washington state apples. I would sooner blame this on the bidding and buying practices before I would lay blame on fruit quality. Having the gumption and the ability to hold back the $230,000 should get their attention. I commend the action of the MAC board and staff.

We constantly run into the same problems here in New York. The complaint of Washington apples in Cornell cafeterias or in the cafes at the state capital in Albany continues to be a sore spot for our industry. Over the past few years, because of not only our efforts but the efforts of some of our legislative leaders that share our feelings, the buying practices of our schools and our state agencies have changed to include the placement of New York apples on more spec and bid sheets. A few years ago, the New York City school system decided to purchase fresh apples only from New York state. The NY Farm to Fork initiative continues to grow and we are feeling the benefits.

We have been successful by applying pressure to the appropriate departments, but it has not been an easy task. Having control of the money is a great advantage for you, and I hope that your statement pays off. The benefits for both MSU and the Michigan apple industry should go both ways.

As I get ready to send my daughter off to Cornell next year – which, by the way, will cost as much as a truck load of $32 per carton apples (you do the math) – I wonder if I will be able to hold back the check, if needed? I doubt it.

Jim Allen
President
New York Apple Association