Apr 24, 2013

New York apple growers approve marketing order

More than three-quarters of voting New York apple growers recently elected to continue the state’s marketing order, in a referendum conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM).

The vote also continues the work of the New York Apple Association (NYAA), which NYSDAM contracts to carry out the marketing order’s activities.

Growers voted to continue the marketing order by the largest margin since it was founded, with 76 percent voting in its favor in a statewide referendum held in March. The marketing order was first created by grower vote in 1959; growers revisit whether to continue it every eight years, according to NYAA.

“This is a loud and clear vote of confidence in the power of the New York apple brand, and of NYAA’s work for the industry,” said Brian Nicholson of Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, N.Y., and NYAA’s board chairman. “We grow the world’s best apples, and now we can continue investing in programs to educate consumers and to promote the 2013 crop and beyond.”

By state law, funds collected from industry by the marketing order are used to generically promote and advertise New York state apples and apple products, conduct market research and provide information to growers. The apple marketing order collects an average of $2.1 million to $2.3 million each year, depending upon the crop size, to promote New York state apples and apple products, according to NYAA.