Aug 23, 2021

Chris Alpers succeeds Preacher as USApple board chair

The U.S. Apple Association has named a new chair to lead its board of directors. Michigan grower Chris Alpers of RedPath Orchards and Alpers Farms will serve the 2021-22 term.

A third-generation grower, Alpers is the operations manager of RedPath Orchards and Alpers Farms and a partner in Alpers Tree Sales in Lake Leelanau, Michigan, where he grows apples, as well as sweet and tart cherries.

Alpers leadership in USApple began when he was selected as a Young Apple Leader in 2014 and has since continued, including three years of service as a USApple officer. His immediate past role was vice chair of the USApple Board of Directors and chair of the organization’s government affairs committee. He has also served as chair of the communications committee.

“Chris is a combination of positive attitude, grower know-how, and farm policy smarts,” said USApple President and CEO Jim Bair.  “He was the first person to testify at the first hearing of the last Farm Bill, which is the kind of policy leadership we’re looking forward to. Although he’s busy running successful orchards and has two small children, he never says no to any request to put his shoulder to the wheel.”

Aside from his leadership with USApple, Alpers serves on the boards of the Michigan Apple Committee, the West Central Michigan Research Station, the Leland Township Board of Review and the Michigan State Horticulture Society, where he also serves as research chair. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from North Michigan University. His wife Jessica (Rasch) is a sixth-generation grower, and their two children, Raymond and Harper, are seventh generation.

Alpers was named to the 2019 class of the the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 Awards, a recognition bestowed by Fruit Growers News and Vegetable Growers News that honors 40 outstanding individuals making their marks in the industry.

Alpers succeeds 2020-21 USApple Chair Mike Preacher, marketing director of Domex Superfresh Growers in Washington state.

USApple’s 2021-22 elected board officers include: Brenda Briggs, Pennsylvania., vice chair; Steve Clement, Washington ,secretary; and Craig Hinkle, Pennsylvania., treasurer.

– Gary Pullano, editor, Fruit Growers News

USApple Chair Mike Preacher, left, marketing director of Domex Superfresh Growers in Washington state, is thanked by USApple President & CEO Jim Bair for his service as chair of the USApple board. Photo: Gary Pullano