school launch - ny apple association commerce and trade. ... (315) 483-6815,...

Jim Allen embarks on trade mis-sion to China....................................... Page 3Paul Baker on the problem with Albany....................................... Page 4

NYAA helps promote the hard ci-der industry....................................... Page 6New research provides informa-tion about listeria, caramel ap-ples....................................... Page 6

NYAA names school recipe con-test winners....................................... Page 8

NYAA, industry leaders have strong presence at PMA Fresh Summit....................................... Page 9

Your AMO assessments fund all of the activities of the New York Apple Association, helping to encourage profitable growing and marketing of

New York apples. Stories and photos with this logo

specifically highlight how your AMO dollars

are being put to work for you.

In this Issue

7645 Main StreetPO Box 350Fishers New York 14453-0350

Official Newspaper of the New York Apple Association Volume 4, Issue 6 November 2015

Inside: Farm Bureau battlesminimum wage proposal.

Page 5

• NYAA, NYC schools release educational video

How about these apples? New York City schools now distrib-ute a whopping 35 million New

York state apples to schoolchildren each year.

That makes New York City schools the single-largest customer of the entire New York state apple industry.

To celebrate this mutually healthy relationship, the state’s

Donald ‘Tré’ Green

Industry loses another leader, Donald Green IIIBy Jim [email protected]

Everyone knew him as Tré Green or Mr. McIntosh. I knew him as a grower, board member and dear friend. Tré’s father, Donald Green II, passed away just a few days earlier.

Both obituaries appear on 5 of this issue of Core Report®.

It goes without saying that this double loss hit the Champlain apple

growing region hard as both were respected apple growers, industry and community members.

I did not know Donald II that well, but did have the opportunity to visit with him on occasion. He certainly was a man of knowledge and vast experience in the apple industry.

Tré was a dear friend and I had the honor of working with him closely

School launchAbove and below, scenes from new educational videos created in partnership with New York City schools.

See Video, Page 14

See Leader, Page 15

Core Report® November 2015

Retail ReviewNews from the retail marketing industry

European retail giant Lidl building U.S. officeThe Produce News

Lidl, one of the largest retailers in the world, broke ground yesterday for a new regional headquarters and distribution center in Spotsylvania County, Va.

Virginia elected officials as well as business and community leaders joined Lidl U.S. vice presidents Payton Reid and Christoph Hettinger at the ceremony. The facility is expected to create 200 jobs in the state and open no later than 2018.lidle3

“We are tremendously excited to break ground on this facility in Spotsylvania County,” Brendan Proctor, president and chief executive officer of Lidl U.S., said in a press release. “We chose Spotsylvania not just for its central location, but also for its talented workforce and economic vitality. We look forward to being part of this community and to introducing residents to a unique shopping experience that will be unlike anything

else in the market. We thank Governor Terry McAuliffe and local leaders for their support throughout this process. They have been tremendous partners to bring Lidl to the area.”

Lidl operates nearly 10,000 stores in 26 countries throughout Europe, offering customers high-quality fresh produce, meat, bakery items and a wide array of household products at low prices. In addition to the Spotsylvania facility, Lidl will soon open the company’s U.S. headquarters in Arlington Country, Virginia. In total, Lidl is investing more than $200 million in its operations in Virginia and has pledged to create 700 new jobs in the state by 2018.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking event for Lidl’s regional headquarters and distribution center,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia secretary of commerce and trade. “As one of the leading European retailers, we are happy Lidl chose Virginia as its gateway to the United States. Lidl’s investment is a great testament to the outstanding talent, strong infrastructure and pro-business climate in Virginia. We look forward to continuing this great partnership with Lidl.”

“Spotsylvania County is delighted to be the home of Lidl’s regional headquarters and distribution center,” said Mark B. Taylor, Spotsylvania County administrator.

“We are proud to be associated with such a well-respected and dynamic global company. It has been a real pleasure to work with the Lidl team. With their passion for quality and value, their commitment to efficiency and their determination to provide great customer service, Lidl is right in step here, and is a great new addition to Spotsylvania County.”

Just one third of A&P stores get bids

Only one in three A&P stores that went up for auction this fall came back with bids, the retailer revealed in a document filed with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Otober.

Of the 108 stores in the first auction, 36 received winning bids, and if approved by the court would divide the base among 21 entities including supermarkets, landlords and other investors. Remaining stores, which either received no bids or offers that didn’t meet minimum thresholds, will go to a second auction.

The filing indicates that Key Food Stores Co-operative, the Staten Island, N.Y.-based co-op, would gain eight new locations, including a 50th Street and 8th Avenue location in Midtown

Manhattan that was expected to go to Morton Williams Supermarkets. Key Food was also listed as the top bidder for sites in Center Moriches, Mattituck, Port Chester and Bedford, N.Y., as well as Manhattan (Food Emporium stores at 1175 Third Ave. and 452 West 43rd St.); and Staten Island (Greaves Lane).

Fransula Foods, a Charlotte, N.C.-based operator of Compare Foods stores, would be the next largest gainer, getting sites in Passaic, N.J., Paterson, N.J., and Brooklyn (Ocean Avenue). Bidders winning two stores each include Tawa Inc., operator of the 99 Ranch Asian chain (Edison, N.J., and Jersey City, N.J.); Best Yet Market, backed by A&P supplier C&S Wholesale Grocers (Merrick, N.Y., and Westhampton Beach, N.Y.; CVS (Manhattan-969 Second Ave.; and Yonkers, N.Y.) and Morton Williams, winning bids for Food Emporium sites at 1066 Third Ave. and 1331 First Ave. in Manhattan.

Other two-site bid winners were shopping center developer Brixmor and a group identified as Manischevitz Family LLC, taking two Pathmark sites in Brooklyn.

Other retailers placing winning bids in the first round were BX&M Foods (Belleville, N.J.); Foodtown operator Estevez Markets (Old Tapan, N.J.); K.A.M. Foods, operator of Asian chain Kam Man Foods (Brooklyn, N.Y.- Coyle Street); ShopRite operator Wakefern Food Corp. (College Point, N.Y.); HMart (Jericho, N.Y.).

November 24, 2015CCE LOF Advisory MeetingWegmans Conference Center

December 1, 2015NYC Produce ShowJacob Javits Expo CenterNew York

December 8-10, 2015NYFB Annual MeetingThe Desmond, Albany

December 15-16, 2015NYAA Board of Directors Mtg.Crowne Plaza , Syracuse

December 18, 2015NYFB Board of Directors MeetingAlbany

February 1, 2016LOF Winter SchoolNiagara County

February 2, 2016LOF Winter SchoolNewark

February 15, 2016Northeastern NY Winter Tree Fruit SchoolFort William Henry Conference CenterLake George

February 16-17, 2016Hudson Val. Winter Fruit SchoolGarden Plaza HotelKingston

February 23-24, 2015NYAA Board of Directors Mtg.The DesmondAlbany

February 29, 2016Taste of New York Legislative ReceptionAlbany

march 1, 2016NYFB Lobby DayAlbany

Calendar

November 2015 Core Report®

By Molly [email protected]

I was fortunate to represent the New York Apple Association again this year

along with Jim Allen at the PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta Oct. 23-25.

This is the largest produce show in the United States each year and is well attended by industry

and retail leaders alike. New York was well represented by NYAA, Fowler Farms, Red Jacket Orchards, Hudson River Fruit Distributors, New York Apple Sales and Mayer Brothers. This year’s show broke attendance records as well as social media records; reports indicate that the twitter phrase #FreshSummit was a top tweet around the world. Our booth showcased top New York varieties in bags, totes and loose displays. We also sampled New York cider for attendees; always a hit.

Fowler Farms had a new display this year and unveiled their new packaging lines that are sure to be a hit

core report® is published monthly by the New york

apple associationas a member service.

New york apple assn.contact

7645 Main St., Fishers, NY 14453-0350Phone: (585) 924-2171, Fax: (585) 924-1629www.nyapplecountry.com

StaffJames allen, President,[email protected] Zingler, Director of Marketing,[email protected] Willis, Executive& Communications Assistantellen a. mykins,Accounting Dept.Susan Sarlund,Northeast Account ManagerLinda Quinn,Nutrition SpokeswomanJulia Stewart, Public Relations Directorand NYAA spokesperson, [email protected]

board of DirectorsWill Gunnison, Chairman, District 1, Crown Point,(518) 597-3363, [email protected] Toohill, District 1, Chazy, 518-846-7171,[email protected] chiaro, District 2, Hudson, (518) 828-1151,[email protected]

David Jones, District 2, Germantown, 518-537-6500,[email protected]

alisha albinder, District 3, Milton, (845) 795-2121,[email protected]

Kurt borchert, District 3, Marlboro, 845-236-7239,[email protected] Sarah Dressel, District 3, New Paltz,(845) 255-0693, [email protected] Torrice, District 4, Oswego(315) 342-3793, [email protected]

richard endres, District 5, Sodus(315) 483-6815, [email protected] Furber, Vice Chairman, District 5, Sodus(315) 483-8529, [email protected]

chris hance, Treasurer, District 5, Pultneyville,(315) 589-4212, [email protected]

abram Peters, District 5, Pultneyville,(585) 455-3600, [email protected]

Kevin bittner, District 6, Barker, 716-795-3030,[email protected] Stannard, District 6, Medina, 518-477-7200,[email protected]

Jason Woodworth, District 6, Waterport, 585-682-4749, [email protected]

President’s Message

By Jim Allenjimallen@nyapple

By the time this Core Report® is in your hands, I will have returned from

a ‘Blitz” trade mission to three cities in China. On Oct. 31, I joined other members of the U.S. Apple Export Council on the first ever trade mission into mainland China to represent non-W a s h i n g t o n apples.

As a result of the recent trade agreements between the Peoples Republic of China and the United States, we (all of U.S.) can ship any variety of apples to China. Shipments, as you read this, of Washington Galas, Red and Golden Delicious, and Granny Smiths are heading to China.

Our trade mission is to explore and scope out markets for Eastern apples from New York and Michigan. The trip is funded by USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and FAS. The MAP program provides funds to help grow foreign markets and to support emerging markets such as China and India, just to name two.

We will be visiting Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. Our visits will include importers, wholesale markets, retail markets, and traders in each city. The USAEC has contracted with a Chinese marketing firm to plan and execute our travels and all meetings for the week. Along with meeting with trade we will also meet with our USDA ATO representatives in each city.

The timing of this trip is excellent. First of all, we have first-time-ever access to the market; therefore, our presence sends a positive and timely message that we want to trade. If we decided not to make an appearance, then perhaps that would send a negative impression. Second is that the Washington crop is much smaller than last year which will help keep the

market strong. If this scenario was a year ago with the monster Washington crop, I think the interest for other U.S. apples would not be very strong. Who knows what next year will bring?

Our market research has told us that this is a very interesting market which is eager to have U.S. products to trade. We have also learned that importers are eager to try new varieties and be able to offer them to their customers, simply because they are the only source for that variety. This could benefit our exporters with the chance to introduce New York apples to the market. Our aim is to seek out this information.

The China-United States agreements for importing and exporting apples, which was signed last winter, certainly does not come without industry concerns and objections, as well as praise and optimism. The agreement was reached after a number of years of negotiations on both sides and it became evident that an agreement would eventually be reached. At that time, the apple industry shifted gears and viewed the new market as an opportunity rather than a risk. We focused our attention on the agreement and the protocols that needed to be followed to protect our apple growing industry. As a result, we have a plan and a number of New York facilities that are registered to ship.

The overall benefit to the U.S. apple industry by opening this market absolutely benefits the Washington shippers because of established markets and the cost to ship from the Pacific Northwest. But every Washington apple that goes west from Seattle, does not come east! Therefore, we have worked hard to help make this happen and we also can benefit with new business.

I wanted to explain the mission and our objectives now and will follow up next month with what we learned in China.

Jim Allen

Branching Out

Molly Zingler

China Explanation

Jim

PMA bigger than ever

See Zingler, Page 13


By Paul BakerNYS Horticulatural Society

This may seem like an odd topic to cover today.

Harvest, by the time you read this, will be complete. Time to reflect, rest and plan. Time to begin to set new

goals for yourself and your business.

Like it or not 2015 is history and you need to address the future. The future comes in two sizes; the short and long term. In both cases you will be i m p a c t e d

by those who have taken a role in a leadership position. Your choice is to decide how you can best position your operation in this. My observation is that at every level when two or more individuals are together someone will assert a leadership role.

You even see it in orchard crews or your farm staff. Those who step forward always seem to express and get their will to a higher level.

Your industry is no different. We are in a constant quest of guidance and leadership. I can tell you that a great population of people are waiting to take “leadership” and dictate to you how you are to operate your business and farm. If left unchecked, they are very willing to decide your destination. Chances are without some direct intervention from practical players in the business they will fail to get it right.

The question then is where will we find the leadership to help shape our future? I am a big believer that experience trumps theory. I learn each season when I return to assist in harvest about the realities of today’s agriculture. I could not represent you if I did not as they say, get my boots back on the ground. Every operation regardless of the size has a role in the direction we select. I feel strongly that no one knows more about your operation than do you.

Therefore you need to accept that one of your roles is to someway help steer the future of your operation. To not do so is to act in an irresponsible manner. Everyone has a particular

passion or strength. Everyone needs to find how they can best provide the leadership to set us on the best path.

Age is never an excuse to not be involved. Some suggest they are too young or inexperienced. Who, I would ask, has more at risk than those of you that are entering this business? Some will suggest they are winding down and want to leave it to the young. I say you need to share your years of experience to help us not return to failed practices of your youth. Select one area you are passionate about and accept the challenge. Boards are open at every level to receive you. Research, labor, crop insurance, marketing, Albany, Washington D.C.; the list is endless. Therefore the area you are needed in is

there waiting for you.If we want a better tomorrow the

responsibility falls upon each of you to get involved. Remember that there are hundreds of very motivated people who wish to fill your leadership slots if you fail to fill them. Most of them have never grown anything other than to grow older.

There was a bumper sticker years ago that read “Stop complaining about farmers with your mouth full.” I suggest to you if you do not like the direction of the future and you sit idly and do not help shape it you are no different. Find how you can help this industry and get involved. I promise you that the path you select will offer you rewards you cannot even imagine.

Baker

The Hort ReportNews from the New York State Horticultural Society

Leadership

By Paul BakerAgriculature Affiliates

People quite often stop me and ask me my opinion on issues that they feel may come not so quietly into their operations.

One question that I am asked frequently, “Where do I see the greatest danger to my operation coming from?” If you have thus far survived the daggers sent your way from Federal DOL I think the answer is not 500 miles to the south, but depending on where you live 300 miles to your east in Albany, N.Y.

Albany seems to have the uncanny ability to always make any issue bigger and more threatening. The leadership in Albany cannot seem to stay out of trouble either. Speaker Silver, like Joe Bruno before him and every Senate leader since seem to be in the news for all the wrong reasons. The temptation of personal power seems too much for each and every one at the Capital.

Albany, despite having the national reputation as one of the highest taxed states and being a very difficult place to have your business located, seems to only wish to add more fuel to this reputation.

You always know when you are returning to New York if you have been out of the state for a spell by the “friendly toll booths” that welcome you home.

Upstate New York has suffered economically due to struggles between the New York City interest and the upstate minority. Industries have exited the state in record numbers.

The city of Niagara Falls is less than half the size it was when I was in high school. Once a proud industrial and tourist city, it now seems to only have the roar of the Falls and no longer the roar of the factories. Even though we have the Hydro Electric power plants here, our power rates are not competitive with neighboring states. I could go on but I am certain you understand.

Agriculture remains the one vibrant industry upstate. This is due to private investments in research by the industry to make reinvestments in all forms of agriculture progressive. New orchard designs and modern milking parlors have helped farms grow and remain competitive in this world food market. The success of New York agriculture is due to the drive of the industry much more than the leadership of Albany. It may sound harsh but it is true.

New York agriculture is heavy in labor intensive venues. While innovations have been many, labor on most New York farms if not the largest single line item it is close. This means simply that New York farms are employers. They offer and employ people to operate their farms. Most farms wages are above both the federal and state minimum wages. They compete for the talent they need

to operate their farms.If what I have out lined is fact then

why would Albany wish to make the cost and difficulty of a farm meeting the Friday evening payroll even more difficult? The powers in Albany must see that their constant efforts to impose higher than federal minimum wages and compulsory overtime can only decrease the size of the largest upstate industry, agriculture. If we lose the types of agriculture in the state that we currently have we will lose the many jobs that currently employ many New Yorkers.

I see this pressure in Albany to position itself in yet another level of negative business atmosphere as the number one threat facing every small business in New York. As I said earlier, if you have survived the federal efforts to derail you then you must be concerned with this irrational drive in Albany to in my opinion drive the last nail in your coffin. I do not see any way a farm can compete in the market place with compulsory overtime and a $15 minimum wage.

As far as Washington we share the misery with the other 49 states. My hope is the collective wisdom of the people will set a new standard in this next presidential election. I do believe we all do care about this country. I think we all still wish to earn our own way.

We wish to be able to stop waving good bye to our children as they leave New York to find meaningful employment.

I believe in the common sense of the people. My fear is that the people have lost their faith in their collective voice. Prove me wrong.

What do people ask methe most in 2015?

LabormattersNews fromAgriculturalAffiliates

Recipes, variety guide, nutrition factsnyapplecountry.com


By Frank A. GasperiniNational Council of Ag Employers

In late September, I had the privilege of spending an entire week in New York for a combination of meetings and family visits.

We spend four days in the Finger Lakes enjoying h o r r i b l e weather and great apples, wine, food, and touring. We brought back some of the best of New York apples and have been enjoying fresh-made apple

pies, various apple cakes, and all the best of those fresh eating apples that you all do so well in New York. We visited Red Jacket Orchard and their juice facility, a wonderful local cheese making dairy, and I think I already mentioned the wineries, several of thos.

While driving in Upstate New York, I heard a radio segment where the host had people calling in to talk about “Why I Love My Job.” I didn’t hear the beginning and don’t know if the negative tone was the host’s intent, but the comments were generally very sarcastic, snarky, and really pretty darn depressing to listen to.

I found it extremely sad that so many folks apparently feel trapped in jobs that they don’t love and it reminded me to be thankful that I, and so many of my association’s members, friends, and daily contacts in U.S. agriculture really do love our jobs. In fact, overall, despite hardships and concerns of all kinds, folks who grow food for their career are among the most optimistic people I have ever met.

This made me think about what I would say, what I should say, if asked the same question; “why do you love your job?” So, in light of the coming Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, and just passed in Canada, I will offer my answers here.

First, how could anyone not love a job where you are paid to help your friends do their own jobs better, safer, faster, easier, and more profitably? To me, this is the most important similarity between my role as an association executive and my previous life as a professional sales and marketing person in agriculture.

My job, if I do it properly, is to do everything I can to make the lives, businesses, and careers of my extended business family, NCAE’s Members, more sustainable in the long-term. NCAE’s role is as a service provider to agricultural employers on national policy issues unique to employers in agriculture. Additionally, my job keeps me in agriculture despite the fact that I live in a suburb of Washington, D.C.

As the executive of the National Council of Agricultural Employers,

I am further privileged to be part of the large and important process of feeding the world. Working every day with agricultural employers and many of your own commodity or regional associations offers huge job satisfaction for someone whose basic education was agricultural education and agronomy, with heroes like Norman Borlaug, Luther Burbank, and others; and visions of “feeding the world.”

There is also the theological side of being part of feeding the world, literally and figuratively as well as being a tiny part of the entire process of feeding 9.7 billion people on earth by 2050.

I love being invited and welcomed to participate in the community of apple producers who are privileged to participate as skilled, specialized, and respected food producers, who are among the only people who really can feed the world. I love that my role is to help facilitate the continuation of that community by assisting you in living with and surviving, the many laws, regulations, and legal/technical issues that all work so hard to make producing all that food impossible so that you can focus on your own profession, businesses, families, and futures with less concern of being blind-sided. I consider it a great day every time I have the opportunity to make your lives a little easier and/or safer.

I love my job every time we are able to help educate any of you to better understand, comply with, and

document your compliance with the huge array of federal employer laws and regulations you must keep up with while working already long days and caring for your businesses and your families. I love it when we are able to help make pending laws or regulations more realistic and survivable, or even stop them altogether. I love it when we get to work together with your own local and national associations to educate legislators and regulators so that they remember that you are their constituent too, and that the regulations they are charged to write and enforce are supposed to serve and protect you as part of the public too.

And, I love my job when we have rare chances to meet and spend time together face-to-face at your meetings, NCAE’s Annual Meeting, and other opportunities to hone our own educational, lobbying, and regulatory skills and to just enjoy some time together.

NCAE and I wish you all a joyful and safe Thanksgiving, with much to celebrate.

The author is Executive Vice President of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. NCAE is the national trade association representing Agricultural Employers in Washington, DC. NCAE will offer updates on Congressional and federal regulatory issues important to Agricultural Employers. E-mail Frank at: [email protected] or visit our website at www.ncaeonline.org

Gasperini

Loving my job, and those N.Y. apples

Cuomo push for $15 minimum wagemeets opposition from farmersNew York Farm Bureau

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s much-publicized plan to increase the minimum wage for all businesses to $15 per hour is causing considerable concern for farmers and rural business owners in New York.

Earlier this year, the governor unilaterally enacted a minimum wage increase that will eventually reach $15 an hour for fast food workers. This time around, he will need legislative action to do so.

“No other state in the nation comes close to having a $15 minimum wage, said Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau. “In fact, our main farm competitor states, like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Florida will have minimum wages about 30 percent lower than New York’s. Due to our already high business costs in the state, farms in other states are already eating

our lunch. They will be eating our dinner after this increase.”

American Farm Bureau Federation recently conducted an economic analysis of a $15 minimum wage in New York. They found that a wage increase from the current $8.75 per hour to $15 dollars would increase farm costs by nearly $500 million and eat away at roughly 25 percent of farm net income. Given the typical farm economy and pricing swings, farms simply will not be able to bear the considerable costs

of doing business in New York. “However, the employment and

business impact doesn’t just stop on the farm,” Norton said. “Countless rural communities are organized around their farm businesses, with tractor stores, feed mills and seed dealers that are in business to serve the farms’ needs. These businesses would also feel the negative impact of the exorbitant wage increase.”

The farm impacts of at $15 minimum wage are stark. Labor intensive farms, such as apple orchards, would see payroll increases of hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Farms that employ H2a workers would most likely see additional increases to do an increased AEWR.

“This proposal is extremely disappointing and dangerous to the farm business owners that struggle to run financially viable businesses in

upstate and rural New York,” said Jeff Williams, Director of Public Policy at New York Farm Bureau.“Governor Cuomo has helped the agricultural industry overcome a number of regulatory obstacles identified at his Summits and other work at state agencies. However, that good work will be completely eroded, and then some, by his proposal.”

“I have spoken with farmers across the state and the Governor’s minimum wage proposal has them very, very worried. When you talk about losing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, based on a Governor’s decision, that gets your attention,” Norton said.

“Farmers just wish that the Governor would focus more on growing business and profitability, so employers can pay workers more. The money just doesn’t grow on trees or else we would all be money tree farmers.”

State announces reforms after Spirits, Cider SummitNew York Ag & Markets

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the State Liquor Authority has approved a host of advisories to help support the continued growth and development of New York’s beverage manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers.

On Oct. 7, Cuomo convened the state’s third Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cider Summit, where industry

participants raised specific legislative and regulatory issues facing the industry. Working collaboratively with the industry, state actions to support beverage producers have resulted in the number of New York craft manufacturers more than doubling since 2011.

“This industry is a New York success story, creating jobs and economic activity, as well as some of the best beer, wine, spirts and cider in the

world,” Cuomo said. “By enacting these reforms, we are furthering this administration’s successful efforts to cut red tape, ease regulations, and make commonsense reforms to help these businesses further grow and thrive in every corner of New York.”

While the state has implemented major regulatory and legislative reforms to reduce burdens facing businesses including beer, wine, cider and spirit manufacturers, the

discussion between Summit attendees and state leaders uncovered additional actions that could be taken to help the industry grow.

SLA advisories, effective immediately, will:

Allow salespeople to represent multiple craft beverage manufacturers. This will increase distribution for small

See Reforms, Page 13


NYAA distributes hard cider ‘Bar Talkers’By Jim [email protected]

New York Apple Association is pleased to announce the release of a new sales tool for hard cider producers and merchants.

Billed as a “Bar Talker,” the consumer promotional piece is being distributed to hard cider manufactures in New

York that are p r o v i d i n g New York local hard cider to pubs and taverns across the state. The

tent is designed to be used by tavern owners to communicate to customers that they are proud to serve “Local Hard Cider - Grown here, Produced here and Enjoyed here.”

We are encouraging cider makers to include the “talkers” with their cider shipments and to encourage their customers to display them at point-of-sale.

New York is on the verge of becoming the “Hard Cider Leader” in the apple industry because of our excellent varieties, superb growing conditions and of course our talented cider makers across the state. Building on the buy local, and now drink local trend, telling customers our story is a great marketing message. We want this message to get to hard cider drinkers when they visit their local tavern.

*Note to Hard Cider Producers:If you have not received the tents,

please contact us. Our data base is only as good as the information provided to us; so if your company is not listed, send your information to [email protected] or call us at 585-924-2171.

U.S. Apple AssociatonAs you know, late last year we

experienced an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes related illnesses

that an investigation by the Food and Drug Admin-istration and the Centers for Disease Control and P r e v e n t i o n associated with consumption of caramel apples.

U.S. Apple Association leadership worked closely with the federal agencies throughout the investigation. In addition to our work with federal authorities, we also worked with Dr. Kathleen Glass, a food safety researcher at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Glass is a nationally recognized expert on Listeria monocytogenes in food. The purpose of this Member Alert is to update you on a newly published report on research conducted by Dr. Glass and her team at the University of Wisconsin.

In a study published yesterday in mBio, the official journal of the American Society for Microbiology, Dr. Glass reports on her research into the possible cause(s) of the outbreak. Dr. Glass and colleagues prepared a cocktail of four L. monocytogenes strains associated with the caramel apple listeriosis outbreak of the fall of 2014 and swabbed it on the skin, stem and calyx regions of a group of Granny Smith apples. They inserted wooden sticks through the stems of half of the apples.

They dipped all apples into hot caramel using either the sticks or tongs, then allowed them to cool. The apples were then stored either at 25 degrees Celsius (77° F) or 7 degrees Celsius (44.6° F) for up to four weeks. Dr. Glass found that the average population of L. monocytogenes increased 1,000-fold on caramel apples with sticks stored at room temperature for three days.

By contrast, growth was delayed on caramel apples without sticks stored at room temperature. Bacterial growth was significantly lessened among apples stored in

New research on listeriain caramel apples

See Listeria, Page 15

Michigan officials warnabout E. Coli risk fromuntreated apple ciderFood Safety News

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued a consumer advisory for Uncle John’s Old Fashioned Apple Cider produced by Uncle John’s Cider Mill located in St. Johns, Mich., because it has the potential to be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria.

No illnesses have been reported to date. However, consumers who have purchased this product at Uncle John’s Cider Mill are urged not to consume it and to dispose of the product immediately.

A routine, random sample collected by a state food inspector tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Uncle John’s has voluntarily ceased sales of cider awaiting further test results.

This advisory affects approximately 1,200 gallons of cider produced on Oct. 17. The cider was sold at the cider mill from the retail cooler, packaged in various-sized plastic jugs with a sell-by date of Oct. 30, 2015, or served directly to consumers by the cup as cold cider, frozen cider slushes and hot cider from Oct. 18-21, 2015.

Consumers with questions may contact Uncle John’s Cider Mill at [email protected].

Symptoms of E. coli infection vary by individual, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101 degrees F. Most people get better within 5-7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.

Around 5-10 percent of those diagnosed with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Signs that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Persons with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems. Most persons with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or die. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Glass


This New York Apple Association advertisement appeared in New York City ‘Metro,’ which boasts a weekly circulation of more than 1.5 million and claims the title of the most-read free daily publication in the city.

how do you like your cider?


Schools win apple recipe honorsFISHERS – Three New York school

districts have proven that good-for-you foods can taste great and attract students, too.

The districts recently took home top honors in a recipe contest by developing healthy school cafeteria recipes using New York state apples.

The recipe contest was hosted by New York Apple Association. To reach school nutrition professionals, NYAA partnered with the New York School Nutrition Association, whose members include school nutrition personnel committed to student access to healthy meals.

“This contest was designed to demonstrate that healthy foods can taste great, too, especially when you add kid-favorite apples,” NYAA Marketing Director Molly Zingler said. “Our winners proved our thesis in spades, creating recipes that feature New York state apples in such delicious ways that schoolchildren will be gobbling them up.”

School districts from across the state submitted recipes that ranged across day parts including breakfast and lunch, and across meal parts from main courses to side dishes. First place winners received $1,000 in New York state apples for their school district; second place, $500, and third place $250.

The winning school districts, and their recipes, are:

Orange-Ulster BOCES, Goshen, for Apple and Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing;

Schalmont Central School District, Schnectady, for its Apple Festival Yogurt Parfait; and

Caledonia-Mumford Central School District, Caledonia, for Apple Peanut Butter Granola Wrap.

“Our staff continually look for ways to both introduce and present foods to the students that are good for them. This recognition of Tracy’s recipe confirms that we are moving in the right direction.” said Orange Ulster BOCES Director of Operations Mark Coleman. That organization’s recipe was developed and submitted by Goshen-based Cook/Manager Tracy Green Deserto.

Recipes will be posted to NYAA’s website for sharing, www.nyapplecountry.com.

Core Report® is online at:www.nyapplecountry.com/core-report

Orange-Ulster BOCES’ Apple and Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing

Caledona-Mumford Central School’s Apple Peanut Butter Granola Wrap

Schalmont Central School District’s Apple Festival Yogurt Parfait


N.y. apple industry strong at Pma Fresh SummitScenes from the PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, clockwise from right: From left: Al Murray, Assistant Secretary of Agricul-ture New Jersey Dept. of Ag-riculture; Molly Zingler, NYAA Marketing Director; Edward Avalos, the Under Secretaryå for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the United States Department of Agriculture; Jim Allen, NYAA President; and Mike Cassidy of Mason Mar-keting. New York Apple Sales’ booth. Hudson River Fruit Dis-tributors’ booth. Nate Drake and Ken Nowak represent Mayer Brothers. Red Jacket Orchards’ booth. Kaitlyn Kelder and Max-well Russell, Lamont Scholar-ship winners, at Fresh Summit 2015. Austin Fowler with their new bag.


It’s time to ‘Pick’ your own applesBy Susan McAleavey Sarlund

There’s nothing better than time spent with your children doing something where everyone is participating and where memories can be made.

These days, families are so busy shuttling kids to soccer fields, piano lessons, and tutors.

Kids from age 5 up can have busier social lives and more planned activities than some adults. To balance that flurry of activity, it is so important to find ways to slow things down and find fun, simple things to do with your

children on the weekends. Great idea for fall … apple picking.

It’s been years since I did it with my own family but a few weeks ago we had a wonderful time out on a family owned apple orchard.

Sure there was cider & doughnuts,

hay rides, roasted corn on the cob and of course the stocked gift stand … however, the highlight of our time together was wandering through the rows and rows of apple trees picking our own favorite varieties.

And, just like we wandered the rows on the farm, consumers are now maneuvering the produce departments in search of their favorite New York apples they’ve come to love.

It seems the first thing you see in every produce department in the Metro region these days is our New York apple presence. Loose in bins or

housed in 3 or 5 lb. bags, supported with New York Apple Association point-of-sale materials, our apples are dominating produce departments and being “picked” by consumers.

Across the region, apples are a hot topic … in supermarkets retails are hot, on the soccer fields Moms are sharing apple recipe ideas and at local apple orchards, apples are being picked by families forming memories to last a lifetime.

We sure could use a little more of that in our busy world.

Good selling.

Sarlund

State funds to boost locally grown food in schoolsALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo

in October announced a new funding opportunity for school districts across New York aimed at connecting them to local growers and producers to increase the use of locally grown specialty crops.

Through the Farm to School program, $350,000 in grants is now available for projects that will help Pre-K through Grade 12 schools procure and serve healthy, locally grown foods on school menus.

“The Farm to School program is a win-win that supports New York farmers as well as ensures the use of fresh, healthy foods in school meals across the state,” Cuomo said. “By providing funding for key projects like training and equipment, we can help strengthen our agriculture industry

and build a healthier New York.” The Farm to School program is

aimed at developing and strengthening connections between farms and schools to help grow the agricultural economy and increase the amount and variety of specialty crops procured by schools for healthier meal options. New York State produces a wide range of specialty crops, such as fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, herbs and spices, which rank highly in the nation in terms of both production and economic value.

Applicants for the program can include Pre-K through 12 school food authorities, charter schools, not-for-profit schools, and other entities participating in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs and/or operating Summer Food Service Programs.

Projects eligible for grant funding across New York’s school districts may include:

u Employing of a local or regional farm to school coordinator.

u Training programs for food service staff to increase knowledge of local procurement and preparation of locally produced specialty crops.

u Purchase of equipment needed to increase capacity of school kitchen and food service staff to prepare and serve locally produced specialty crops.

u Capital improvements to support the transport and/or storage of locally produced specialty crops.

The Farm to School program was first announced as a result of Cuomo’s Capital for a Day in Rochester, which he created to bring state government directly to the people it serves. The day-long event partnered state officials with residents, local leaders and stakeholders to examine first-hand

the needs of a community and how New York State government can build upon its strengths and make a positive impact on its residents.

The commissioners from the State Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Health and the Office of General Services joined leaders from the New York Apple Association, Farm Fresh First, Empire Potato Growers and New York State Vegetable Growers Association, Brockport School District and the New York City School Support Services, to discuss increasing the procurement of New York State food products in New York’s more than 700 schools. The discussion centered on the growers’ delivery system and the school districts’ needs and purchasing process, and how to make it easier to bring the two together.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We have been working hard to find ways to strengthen the connection between our farmers and our New York schools statewide, and the Farm to School program gives us a tremendous start.

We not only want to make sure that our school children have access to fresh, healthy foods, but also that they know where their meals come from. This new program will help overcome some of the challenges schools may face in sourcing product locally and make it easier for them to increase the use of New York’s locally grown foods straight from the farm.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “Thanks to this program, New York’s school children will reap the nutritional benefits that comes with eating our state’s fresh produce. Locally grown

crops are always the best option in terms of getting the maximum nutrients. Our state is fortunate to have such a diversity of fruits and vegetables, which is essential to a healthy diet.”

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn M. Destito said, “These grants will not only increase the amount of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables being served in our schools, they will help achieve Governor Cuomo’s goal of providing more opportunities for small and midsize companies in the agricultural industry to do business with New York. We are looking forward to growing this program throughout the state over the 2015-2016 school year.”

Jim Liebow, New York State Lead for National Farm to School Network and Food Service Director at Brockport Central School District said, “Farm to School is on the rise all across New York State. Food Service Directors are seeing the positive benefits of developing their locally sourced Farm to School programs to nourish their students and help them grow and learn. The support from Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Ball will help bring the needed equipment, training and financial incentives to those districts to start, maintain and grow their Farm to School programs. Agriculture in all forms are an integral part of New York’s economy and school districts can certainly help in this mission.”

Raymond Denniston, Special Project Coordinator for Food Services at Broome-Tioga BOCES said, “The Farm to School Grant is a great opportunity for interested schools and community to define the possibilities and address the challenges of creating a successful Farm to School Program.”

Study finds farm to school programshelp reduce plate wasteBy Tom KarstThe Packer

Local food purchases by school districts can do much more than help the incomes of area growers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA’s Farm to School Census shows that schools bought about $600 million in local food during the 2013-14 school year, up about 55% from the 2011-12 school year, according to a news release. Close to half (47 percent) of those surveyed said they plan to increase local food purchases in

coming years.“Farm to school partnerships have a

proven track record of encouraging kids to try, like and eat more healthy foods and creating new market opportunities for the farmers that grow them,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the release.

“Congress should act quickly to reauthorize the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to build on the success of farm to school and the healthier school meals and continue our momentum towards a healthier next generation of Americans.”

The USDA’s Farm to School Grant

Program helps schools expand or establish school supply programs. According to the USDA, grants helped 12,300 schools provide local food to 6.9 million students.

The Farm to School Census found that more than 42,000 schools now have farm to school programs, according to the release. The census found three out of four school districts report at least one of the following benefits:

Reduced plate waste (17 percent);Improved acceptance of the healthier

school meals (28 percent);Increased participation in school

meals programs (17 percent).


E-mailingCongressTo find your

Congressperson’sWeb site, visit:

www.house.gov orwww.senate.gov.

USApple’s ‘Apples4Ed’ going strongwith 10,000 votes and countingWendy BrannenUSApple

Just past the halfway point, our first-ever “Apples4Ed: Buy an Apple, Help a Student” fundraising program has already received more than 10,000 apple picture submissions to vote for student causes across the country.

That’s 10,000 times that someone, somewhere has stopped to eat an apple or related product, snap a picture, and take the time to upload it online. Talk about consumer engagement.

My secret goal for the entire 6-week campaign was half that number, so the popularity of this little program has my heart smiling. What I have witnessed in the past 3-1/2 weeks is exactly what I had hoped the program would accomplish—just with bigger numbers. The selected schools, and in fact school districts, have gone to the mat to win money for their projects.

That means baskets of apples placed in playgrounds, apple snack breaks during class, apples mandatory on lunchroom menus, and lesson plans based entirely on growing and picking apples, and apple health and nutrition.

Teachers at the selected schools have approached me with such sincere thanks for our industry’s support of their classroom needs that at times I have felt like Taylor Swift. Seriously—I met one of these educators in person last week, and she grabbed me in thankful embrace with stars in her eyes. Hers is just one of the schools that has had every student, every instructor, and indeed every janitor, bus driver, parent and heaven’s knows who else line up to enthusiastically eat apples, apple juice, applesauce, and related partner products this fall season.

Like those teachers, I too, am thankful—because Apples4Ed has been able to elicit such community goodwill for our industry.

There have been intended successes beyond getting kids hooked on apples at an early age and exposing these kids to apples in a positive way that could stick with them for life (I mean, if the citrus board had bought me new playground equipment when I was 10...

could I even work for apples today?).I have also seen program

regionalization. One of my priorities here at USApple is that our public relations programs always bolster and not conflict with regional apple programs, and that we support all

apple brands in a way that helps and doesn’t hurt. The true intent of this program when I timidly introduced my idea to the U.S. Apple Association Education Committee last March was to give our members a jumping off point to customize Apples4Ed for their

own use—and you certainly have!Every time I log on to view the latest

(and very creative!) pictures posted, there are folks hashtagging their apple snapshots with local brands, state messaging, and the like.

I’ve seen photos posted of entire boxes of Washington apples at football tailgates in the South, Michigan apples hashtagged at apple-eating events in front of the local Dollar General store (yes—entire public events planned to support Apples4Ed causes!), and—

See Apples4Ed, Page 13


Nothing more welcoming than New york apples

Top left and left: The New York Apple Association works with the New York Welcome Center to provide signage for their rest stop on I-81 south of Bingham-ton. Top right and right: Photos of the Indian Castle Thruway rest stop serviced by HMS Host. The New York Apple Association works with HMS Host each year to provide point-of-sale information and signage for the travel centers and more recently the Taste of NY shops.

State launches Hudson Valleyfarmland protection program

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in October announced the launch of a $20 million Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program to help farmers in the Hudson Valley region protect valuable, at-risk farmland from future development and maintain the land’s use for agricultural purposes.

This unprecedented commitment to farmland protection in the Hudson Valley was announced in the governor’s Executive Budget and is the first-ever regionally targeted farmland preservation grant program.

“Farming is a rich part of New York’s heritage and remains a major industry that helps drive this state’s economy,” Cuomo said.

“This historic investment will permanently protect thousands of acres of Hudson Valley farmland, growing the agricultural economy and

ensuring the industry’s future in the region for generations to come.”

Grants made available through the program will allow eligible entities to assist landowners protect at-risk farmland through the use of permanent conservation easements. Projects on viable agricultural lands throughout a 14-county area may be submitted for funding consideration. For purposes of this grant, the Hudson Valley is defined as Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington and Westchester counties.

Eligible applicants, including municipalities, counties, soil and water conservation districts, and not-for-profit conservation organizations (land trusts) can apply for individual grants on behalf of farmers to protect viable

agricultural land from being converted to non-agricultural use.

Senate Agriculture Committee ChairwomanPatty Ritchie said, “Every time viable farmland is lost to development, New York State misses an opportunity to expand our agriculture industry, create jobs and improve our economy.

In order for agriculture to remain one of our state’s leading industries, we need to focus on efforts like the Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program, which will help to safeguard the future of farming by protecting one of our most valuable resources—our farmland.”

Assembly Agriculture Committee Chairman Bill Magee said, “Retaining farmlands for agricultural usage is key to supporting New York State’s number one industry; as Chair of the

Assembly Agriculture Committee, I applaud Governor Cuomo for including this Regional Farmland Protection Grant Program in the budget, and for his continuing support of agricultural development in New York State.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “It’s an exciting time for agriculture in New York State and we’re pleased to launch this unprecedented regional program. As a result of Governor Cuomo’s leadership, this year, $20 million has been made available specifically for farmland protection in this very important agricultural region of the state, which will provide the support our farms need to create jobs and grow. In addition, with our Department’s recent efforts

State launches climate-resistant farming grantALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo

has announced the launch of a new $1.4 million Climate Resilient Farming grant pilot program created to support projects that mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture-related activities and increase the resiliency of farms throughout New York in the face of a changing climate.

“New York state is a leader and national model when it comes to dealing with the effects of climate change and this funding further strengthens that standing,” Cuomo said. “This first-ever

grant program addresses the need to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of farms, while also enhancing the ability of those farms to recover after severe weather events which have become an all too frequent reality.”

As part of Governor Cuomo’s 2015 Opportunity Agenda, funding is being made available to agricultural projects which develop and implement best management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration. Additionally, funding is available to projects that help

agricultural producers prepare for and better manage the impacts of climate change like increased heavy rain storm events and periods of drought.

The launch of this program follows yesterday’s announcement where Cuomo, joined by Vice President Al Gore, unveiled four major actions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across New York. These nation-leading environmental and clean energy initiatives will help New York homes, businesses and universities invest in

clean energy, drive economic growth across the state, and protect the environment.

Several other new climate-focused initiatives were also announced during New York State’s Climate Week which took place during September 22-29. These included $175 million for five large-scale clean energy projects to increase electricity generation from renewable energy sources, a $35 million

See Grant, Page 16

See Protection, Page 14


This New York Apple Association advertisement will be appearing in Edible magazine.

cutting edge advertisement

wait for it—apples with New York PLU stickers strategically positioned by every place setting at a wedding (Don’t believe me? I didn’t make that up—but you’ll have to scroll through more than 10,000 pictures now to try to prove me wrong!).

Everyone from brides to legislators to Miss America has uploaded their Apples4Ed photos. #Awesome!

The Apples4Ed program is not yet over. And, inevitably, when we do our recap, we will see ways to improve upon the campaign if the committee is kind enough to green light it again for next year. The goal has always been to tweak it, grow it, and perfect it to better suit our industry’s needs. But, at this point, I have more than 10,000 reasons to be excited about writing this update for you—and I hope you’ll log on to see all the fun and get involved in the game.

About Apples4EdThrough Nov. 15, individuals can

visit Apples4Ed.com to read quick profiles of 12 student causes, including a cause in the heart of New York– classroom projects in need of funding such as school garden projects, playground makeovers and robotics education initiatives. Next, individuals can support these causes in four simple steps:

u Snack: Grab an apple, apple juice, applesauce and/or delicious products made by program partners (“Apple Buddies”) Marzetti, KIND Snacks, Roth Cheese, and Johnsonville Sausage.

u Snap: Take a picture enjoying the snack (selfies preferred, not required).

u Tag: Find a school cause at Apples4Ed.com. Tag your photo with the project’s name and #Apples4Ed campaign hashtag.

u Share: Vote for your fave school cause by sharing on your public Instagram account (or by uploading to Apples4Ed.com if you don’t have one).

For every vote, USApple and program Apple Buddies are pledging financial contributions to nominated projects to help them reach their goals. Individuals can vote as often as they desire; each pic individuals upload enjoying apples, apple juice, apple sauce, and/or apple pairings using Apple Buddy products counts as a vote.

At Apples4Ed.com, individuals will also find helpful facts about apples’ many health benefits, as well as a variety of original recipes created by Top Chef fan favorite Chef Dave Martin. The quick recipes pair apples with products and ingredients from Marzetti, KIND Snacks, Roth Cheese, and Johnsonville Sausage. Check out the program video here.

In December, USApple will announce the cause with the most votes, which will receive the highest donation. Every classroom featured on the site will, however, receive funds.

Apples4EdContinued from Page 11

craft producers and provide more opportunities for salespeople to join the growing beverage industry.

Allow multiple craft manufacturer branch offices at the same location. This change allows a group of manufacturers to share a location, lowering operating costs and providing more retail outlets for craft products.

Provide guidance for contract brewing. The advisory explicitly authorizes contract brewing, allowing small breweries to use the facilities of a larger producer to manufacturer beer. This policy will benefit both large and small manufacturers, providing additional revenue for established brewers while assisting small brewers entering the market.

Update the marketing permits. Brewers may now purchase beer used in tastings at a retail location from the retailer, increasing the number of tastings conducted and saving manufacturers transportation costs.

Authorize home wine making centers. The SLA will issue permits for wineries and farm wineries to operate as “home wine-making” centers, where customers

can receive expert advice and utilize the winery’s equipment to produce wine for personal consumption.

Authorize tastings at wine schools and other alcoholic beverage education classes and seminars. The SLA will issue permits for bonafide schools to conduct tastings as part of their curriculum, introducing consumers to new craft products and supporting research.

Create a craft beverage tasting permit for non-profits. The SLA Board authorized permits for not-for-profits to charge admission at events where manufacturers and wholesalers offer samples and sales of alcoholic beverages.

Allow off-premises beer retailers to fill orders for growlers at a warehouse, rather than having to conduct the activity at their licensed premises.

Lower fees for seasonal additional bars. Restaurant, bar and tavern owners are allowed to operate one bar in the premises with the license, with additional bars costing the equivalent of the original license. Today the SLA Board authorized the issuance of pro-rated fee for “add bars” so retailers operating a bar on a seasonal basis, for instance on an outdoor patio or deck, are charged a fee based on the months the bar will be in operation.

ReformsContinued from Page 5

in the retail markets. Innovative pouch bags designed to reinvent varieties to consumers, attract young people and are in line with the hot trends of the industry were on display. Red Jacket Orchards was a popular booth sampling their cold pressed, all natural, unfiltered juice blends to attendees. Hudson River Fruit Distributors showcased their new packaging designs

and innovative juice blend bags. New York Apple Sales touted their managed variety offerings as well as their year-round Honeycrisp program. Mayer Brothers had their new juice packaging and label designs showcased, as well as their new organic line-up. I am excited to see these New York products in retail stores this season; kudos to our New York growers, packers and shippers for their outstanding showing at this world class event.

ZinglerContinued from Page 3

Molly


apple association has produced an educational video that the New York City Department of Education is now sharing with students and their families citywide.

The 3-minute video was produced by New York Apple Association, and was recorded in picturesque orchards across New York state – including the lower Hudson Valley, where most of the apples shipped to New York City schools are grown. The video is packed with kid-friendly information about how apples are grown, their health benefits and the New York state industry.

Spokesgrower and narrator Bruce shares interesting details about modern apple growing – for example, he notes that today’s growers use high-tech dwarf trees and tree trellis systems, while still relying on decidedly low-tech honeybees to pollinate their crops. An infographic covers the New York City skyline in apple pies. NYAA nutrition spokesperson Linda Quinn reports on recent research about the benefits to children of eating apples. The video also encourages family-friendly outings to local a pick-your-own orchards.

In the finale, a group of schoolchildren joins Bruce in the orchard to enthusiastically announce that New York City schools now serve more than 35 million New York state apples per year.

NYAA President Jim Allen commended New York City Department of Education’s Office of School Support Services for its strong “buy local” focus – that’s the group that buys food for and runs the foodservice program at New York City’s 1,800 schools.

“We are proud to serve New York City school children locally sourced, healthy produce, including over 35 million apples a year grown in New York state. This not only adds to our healthy menu options, it helps us teach kids about the benefits of farm-to-table eating and supports our local food producers,” said the service’s Chief Executive Officer Eric Goldstein.

NYAA’s Allen also gave nods to state Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

“Both of these very influential officials have been vocal, passionate and tireless advocates for New York state agriculture, we wouldn’t have gotten here today without them,” said

Allen. “The singular purpose of the Governor’s ‘Taste NY’ program is to create customers for local foods and beverages. Meanwhile, Commissioner Ball has vowed to ‘make New York New York’s customer’ and revitalized his department’s ‘Pride of New York’ buy local program.”

For example, on Sept. 28, the Cuomo administration announced $350,000 in new funding to help school districts across the state to connect with local growers and producers.

“New York state has been working hard to strengthen the connection between our farmers and our schools statewide. We not only want to make sure that our schoolchildren have access to fresh, healthy foods, but also that they know where their food comes

from,” Ball said. “This new video is a fantastic way

to help us continue to connect the dots, spotlight the apple industry and educate our children about New York agriculture.”

The city’s education department will circulate the video online to schools, students and their families, including via the city’s school menu website. The video – titled “From Blossom to Awesome”, a recurring theme in NYAA’s consumer communications – can also be viewed on NYAA’s YouTube channel.

The video about local apples was also locally written and produced. Mason Marketing LLC of Penfield, N.Y., wrote the video’s script; Crystal Pix of Fairport, N.Y., produced it.

VideoContinued from Page 1

Narrator Bruce talks about apple growing in a new New York Apple Association video.

to streamline the overall process, we will be able to help awardees complete projects more quickly.”

President of Scenic Hudson Ned Sullivan said, “Scenic Hudson applauds Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for this exciting new initiative to conserve working farms in the Hudson Valley. It is gratifying to see the State stepping up its commitment to our region’s farms through this program, thereby realizing a primary goal of Scenic Hudson’s recent ‘Foodshed Conservation Plan for the Hudson Valley and New York City.’ Working family farms contribute strongly to our communities and to our statewide economy. We and our Hudson Valley land trust partners look forward to collaborating with the State’s program to safeguard important Valley farmland for the future.”

President and CEO of the Open Space Institute Kim Elliman said, “As we stand here at the site of the successfully protected Davenport Farm, through the tremendous efforts of the Davenports, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Open Space Institute, and Scenic Hudson, we get a glimpse of what can be achieved. With enormous gratitude, we thank Governor Cuomo for pledging to invest an additional $20 million into farmland protection in the Hudson Valley.

“This will boost local economies, keep working farmers in business, protect the New York City foodshed, and preserve the remarkable agrarian legacy of the region.”

The Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program is a competitive grant program administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The deadline to apply is Jan. 29, 2016.

For more information and a webinar for the Hudson Valley Agricultural Enhancement Program, visit www.agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html.

All applicants must register and apply through the New York State Grants Gateway portal at https://grantsgateway.ny.gov/.

ProtectionContinued from Page 12

US Apple Associationis online at

www.usapple.org

By Jim [email protected]

We are quite excited about the new video that highlights New York apples in the New York City school system.

As mentioned in the press release, this was a joint effort by the New York Apple Association and the Office of School Support Services to help inform parents and students that the apples served are homegrown in upstate New York. The video which is featured on the city school website, and other social media sites, can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX1vXqIubBg.

The objective of the educational clip was to create an informative and entertaining spot to highlight the 35 million New York apples that were served last year to New York City school children.

Our video is similar to a dairy video that the school uses to highlight the 6 million gallons of New York milk they purchase each year.

This is just another result of the initiative that the Cuomo administration and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets have brought forward to “Make New York, New York’s Customer.”

Educating, entertaining


for six years on the NYAA board of directors; two of those years Tré served as Chairman. He was a leader, not a follower, and led with conviction and purpose. Growing McIntosh in the North Country certainly has its challenges and Tré was very good at meeting and overcoming those challenges. He was absolutely

dedicated to growing McIntosh apples, as he also was in representing his fellow Mac growers in that region.

His first priority was always Macs. His second was the region and third was for the good of the New York apple industry. I admired his priorities and appreciated how he represented all of them. If it was a heated discussion at a board meeting about how the NYAA was promoting Macs or a serious discussion with a New York Senator about the New York apple industry in Washington, he approached both with

vigor, knowledge and conviction. Tré saw the big picture while never losing sight of issues in his backyard.

Tré’s and his Dad’s death come on the heels of our loss of John McAleavey (NYAA) and Bill Kimball (NYSDAM). They all shared the same passion and dedication to the New York apple industry and worked very hard to improve it. They are truly missed.

We cannot express enough our condolences to Marlene, Donny, Lindsay, Tori and the entire Green family for their losses.

Donald Green IIICHAZY — Donald F. “Tré” Green, 60, of Minkler Road,

passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, at UVHN-CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. He was born in Lansing, Mich., on June 5, 1955 to Donald and Betty (McKinney) Green Jr.

He married Marlene Earle at their home on June 19th, 1999. Tré graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in business in 1977.

After graduating, he worked in California for McCormick & Co. In 1983 Tré returned to Chazy and began working at Chazy Orchards. Tré eventually became the owner and operator of Chazy Orchards until the orchard was purchased by the Giroux’s in 2010.

Tré was a member of New York Apple Association along with other apple organizations.

He was an avid comic book collector and enjoyed music and traveling.

Survivors include his wife Marlene; his mother Betty Green; children Donald “Donny” Green IV and his partner Katie Fairhead, Victoria “Tori” Green and her partner Josh Sukonnik, Lindsay LaValley and her partner Jon Greaney; brother and sister-in-law Jeffrey and Catherine “Rini” Green; and many nieces and nephews. Tré was recently predeceased by his father Donald “Bus” Green Jr.

Donations may be made in memory of Tré to the American Cancer Society.

To share a photo, story, or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Donald Green IICHAZY — Donald F. “Bus” Green Jr., 87, of Chazy, passed

away Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Vermont Respite House in Williston, Vt. He was born Aug. 6, in Port Henry, the son of Donald F. Green Sr. and Alberta (Spaulding) Green.

He graduated from Chazy Central Rural School in June of 1946, and the University of Vermont in January of 1951 with a BS in Agricultural Science. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and graduated from the USAF Armament & Electronics School and USAF Officer Candidate School before being discharged from the Reserves as First Lieutenant in 1962. Don worked for Food Machinery Corporation in Lansing, Mich., for three years before returning to Chazy to work at Chazy Orchards Inc., where he became the owner until August 2010.

Don was very active in the community and surrounding areas. He was a past member of the Clinton County Planning Board, Plattsburgh and Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, Clinton County United Way Board of Directors, CCRS School Board and Past President of Champlain Valley Industrial Management Club, past President of the Plattsburgh Rotary Club and member since 1962. He was survived by two sons, Jeffrey L. Green and his wife Catherine “Rini” Green, Donald F. “Tre” Green III and his wife Marlene; four grandchildren, David A. Green and fiancé, Stephanie, Evan D. Green, Donald F. Green IV, and Victoria A. Green.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

LeaderContinued from Page 1

In Memoriam

the refrigerator: Those with sticks had no listerial growth for up to a week but then some growth over the next three weeks. Those without sticks had no listerial growth during four weeks of storage. Both moisture transfer and microbial growth are accelerated at room temperature compared to refrigeration, Dr. Glass said.

Dr. Glass provided us with the published research paper and the address of the mBio Blog that discusses the caramel apple research. In terms of fresh apples, the news is generally good, but it must be remembered that the likely source of the Listeria was from the stem or calyx of the apple. In the blog she wrote:

“Dipping the apples in hot caramel killed off a lot of the surface bacteria. But those that still survived were the ones that were able to grow. If someone ate those apples fresh, they probably would not get sick. But because caramel-dipped apples are typically set out at room temperature for multiple days, maybe up to two weeks, it is enough time for the bacteria to grow. But because caramel-dipped apples are typically set out at room temperature for multiple days, maybe up to two weeks, it is enough time for the bacteria to grow.

“Consumers should look for refrigerated caramel apples or eat them fresh. And caramel apple manufacturers may wish to thoroughly disinfect apples before dipping them in caramel, add growth inhibitors to the caramel coating or apple wax, or use better temperature-time controls to inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes.”

ListeriaContinued from Page 6


The Associated PressDENVER — Agriculture Secretary

Tom Vilsack began a national tour in October in Colorado to promote the Pacific Rim trade deal, stressing that U.S. farm exports stand to benefit from the proposal.

Vilsack met with agriculture and business leaders in Denver, saying

that agricultural exports like fruits and vegetables have become the fastest-growing aspect of trade increases in the last five years.

“And it’s because of the quality that our family farmers are producing. The rest of the world wants it,” he said.

The annual value of Colorado agriculture exports is $1.7 billion and

they support 12,900 jobs, according to Vilsack’s office.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is designed to encourage trade among the United States, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The pact would reduce tariffs in the participating nations in a bid to open markets.

“There are family farms across the United States who will benefit from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and it’s certainly true here in the state of Colorado,” Vilsack said.

Congress still has to approve the deal, and it’s expected to be a difficult sell. The deal has drawn opposition from every Democratic presidential candidate. Hillary Rodham Clinton this week became the latest to oppose the partnership.

The TPP has upset labor groups, environmentalists and other constituencies that Democratic candidates see as key to their success in the primaries. Labor groups have expressed worry that the deal will lead to domestic jobs going overseas with lower wages and less stringent labor and environmental standards.

Vilsack announced in August that he would be supporting Clinton’s candidacy, and he was diplomatic Friday in addressing her opposition to the proposed deal.

He noted that when President Barack Obama first ran for president, he suggested that NAFTA could be improved, but Vilsack said that wasn’t necessarily an indication that he was against the agreement.

Vilsack said he has the same sense about Clinton.

project to make Roberto Clemente State Park’s Harlem River waterfront greener and more storm-resilient, and a $3 million clean energy competition for colleges and universities in New York.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “As a farmer, I understand the challenges faced when it comes to our changing and sometimes extreme weather conditions. This grant program will not only help farmers across the state better deal with the historic severe flooding and droughts that we have seen, but also do all we can to make sure we are being good stewards of the environment.”

Chairman of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Dale Stein said, “The Soil and Water Conservation Committee is proud to work with our partners, including the Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University, Soil and

Water Conservation Districts, and most importantly farmers to build on the strengths of our Agricultural Environmental Management framework to enhance resiliency and reduce emissions on farms across New York State.”

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts will apply for the competitive grants on behalf of farmers. Applications must be submitted for one of the following project categories: agricultural waste storage cover and flare systems; on-farm riparian, floodplain, and upland water management systems; and soil health systems. Funding for the Climate Resilient Farming grant program comes from the 2015-16 New York State Environmental Protection Fund and is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Applicants for the Climate Resilient Farming grant program must submit their proposals through the Grants Gateway system at https://www.grantsgateway.ny.gov by 4:30 p.m., Dec. 14, 2015.

Export Report

GrantContinued from Page 12

Ag Secretary touts Pacific Rim trade deal

school launch - ny apple association commerce and trade. ... (315) 483-6815,...

Documents