Apr 8, 2019

NYAA’s Cynthia Haskins presents keynote at NYSAND conference

New York Apple Association (NYAA) President Cynthia Haskins delivered a keynote address to more than 350 members of the New York State Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (NYSAND) at their annual meeting and conference April 5-6 in Syracuse.

“Helping people understand the journey their food takes — from the farm to the table — is as important as the taste and the nutrition of the food itself,” said Haskins. “New York agriculture plays a prominent role in our country. The New York apple industry is the second largest in the country – nowonder they call us the Big Apple! New York is also fourth in dairy production and fifth in fruit and vegetable production in the United States.”

Haskins’ address included her insights on agriculture and consumer trends gleaned from nearly four decades in the industry. She engaged the audience of state certified nutritionist and dieticians on a range of topics which included traditional and modern apple production practices, climate and soil benefits unique to New York state, and the economics of apple production in the state and how it impacts growers, communities and the nation. Joining her as a keynote speaker was Chris Noble, co-owner of Noblehurst Farms, a seventh generation, multi family farm located in western New York.

As part of NYAA’s sponsorship of the event, diced New York apples were added to breakfast yogurt parfaits and New York apple varieties, fresh New York apple cider, and a special apple dessert was served at lunch. At the NYAA exhibit booth at the event, NYAA Assistant Retail Account Manager Cailin Kowalewski shared the Association’s new nutrition kit the conference attendees.

“We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with such a highly skilled, enthusiastic group of professionals who serve the nutrition and dietary needs in so many people in schools, hospitals, retail stores and other organizations throughout New York state,” added Haskins. “We look forward to working even more closely with them in the future.”  

A nonprofit agricultural trade association based in Fishers, New York, NYAA represents the state’s commercial apple growers. The association supports profitable growing and marketing of New York apples through increasing demand for apples and apple products, representing the industry at state and federal levels, and serving as the primary information source on New York apple-related matters. For more information, visit www.applesfromny.com.