In this Issue Congress passes hard cider tax relief...Page 2 Core Report® January 2016 Aldi expands...

Consumer praies New York ap-ples in letter to state....................................... Page 2Digital coupons aid promotion of state’s apple crop....................................... Page 3Paul Baker on the math of mini-mum wage increase proposal....................................... Page 4Busy agendas for 2016 Winter Fruit Shools....................................... Page 6

Kind bars do cross-promotional events with New York apples....................................... Page 7NYAA brings Dr. Desmond O’Rourke to speak at January’s Producers Expo....................................... Page 7EPA taking aim at popular in-secticide....................................... Page 9

NYAA PR Director summarizes 2015 activities....................................... 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 8 January 2016

Inside: Former Ag Commissioner talks to NYAA Board.

Page 7

Congress passeshard cider tax relief

FISHERS -- New York’s apple industry is raising glasses of hard cider to toast the news that the U.S. Congress has approved an overhaul of how hard cider is taxed that will allow New York hard ciders to be more competitive in the marketplace.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the measure as part of the so-called tax extenders bill approved Dec. 17; the U.S. Senate approved it on Dec. 18 as part of a combined tax and government funding bill.

The House and Senate bills included language from bills introduced in both chambers earlier this year to level the playing field regarding how hard cider is taxed relative to other alcoholic beverages such as champagne, wine and beer. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had introduced the “Cider Investment and Development through Excise Tax Reduction (CIDER) Act of 2015” with five bipartisan cosponsors in May.

New York’s U.S. Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.-27) had introduced similar bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives in January with Oregon’s Rep. Earl Blumenauer. Several U.S. representatives from New York subsequently co-sponsored that House bill: Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.-22), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.-18), Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.-13), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.-21) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20).

“As the second-largest apple producing state in the country, New York should be the core of hard cider boom we are seeing now. With this sensible change, our hard cider makers can sell more cider and grow their businesses – and that means our apple growers can sell more apples to those cider makers,” New York Apple Association President Jim Allen said.

“Cheers to the leadership shown by the New York congressional delegation, our thanks to Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Chris Collins in particular.”

Under current federal law, depending upon its alcoholic content hard cider can be taxed at same rate as wine, $1.07 per gallon – and depending upon its carbonation, it can be taxed at the even higher champagne rate of $3.30 per gallon. The CIDER Act provision included in the tax extender bill changes the definition of hard cider to tax it at $.23 per gallon, equivalent to beer.

President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on Dec. 18.

New York Apple Association marketing efforts have been actively supporting cider makers through things like print advertisements (above) and table tents (below).

Core Report® January 2016

Aldi expandsin MidwestOmaha.com

Aldi will open a seventh Omaha, Kan.,-area location this spring.

The grocery discount retailer said the store will be near 168th Street and West Maple Road. Property records indicate that Aldi recently bought land at 17240 Evans St., which is between Discount Tire and Advance Auto Parts on the south side of West Maple Road.

The German-owned company is in the midst of a five-year expansion of its U.S. operations and plans to have nearly 2,000 stores in the United States by 2018, an increase of about 650.

The new store will be Aldi’s westernmost in Omaha, in an area that has seen other commercial development this year.

“We look at a number of factors when choosing new store locations, including population density, proximity to competition, cost of the property and traffic patterns,” said Mark Bersted, Olathe, Kan., division vice president.

A&P to sell Food Emporium BrandAndnowyouknow.com

MONTVALE, N.J. – A&P has received bankruptcy court approval to sell its Food Emporium brand and related intellectual property to Key Food Stores Co-Operative Inc.

A report from the Wall Street Journal said that Judge Robert D. Drain of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, NY, gave the green light to the $1.75 million sale, according to court documents. The deal includes the assumption of certain liabilities, Food Emporium trademarks, domain names, e-commerce business, and a mobile app, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Key Food was the only bidder for the property.

TV chef to open NYC marketAndnowyouknow.com

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Anthony

Bourdain, traveling food connoisseur, TV personality, and culinary star is now watching his own food market take form.

The New York Times reports that while New York’s culinary scene has rumored and awaited Bourdain’s own major food market for over a year, no concrete details have been released. Until now.

The chef and author confirmed that he has subleased the main concourse and mezzanine of one of the largest shipping piers on the Hudson, Pier 57

at 15th Street, in partnership with his parents.

This is the first confirmed step in the formation of Bourdain’s much-anticipated market, though it looks to be about two years before foodies and food experts will explore what is reported to contain about 100 New York retail and wholesale food vendors, as well as those from both the nation and overseas, including:

Fishmongers, butchers, bakers, other artisans, at least one full-service restaurant.

Retail ReviewNews from the retail marketing industry

February 1, 2016Lake Ontario Fruit Winter SchoolNiagara County

February 2LOF Winter SchoolNewark

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

February 16-17Hudson Valley WinterFruit SchoolGarden Plaza HotelKingston

February 23-24NYAA Board of Directors Mtg.The DesmondAlbany -2/23: Legislative Visits -2/24: Board Meeting

February 29Taste of New York Legislative ReceptionAlbany

March 1NYFB Lobby DayAlbany

March 3-5USApple – Capitol Hill DayUSApple MeetingsWashington, D.C.

august 25-26Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing ConfenceRitz CarltonChicago, Ill.

Calendar

Letter to the Industry

Another satisfied customer

The following email was received by the Pride of New York program on Christmas Eve 2015:

“I just want you to know that i just had some of your Mac apples. I haven’t tasted anything so fresh and awesome in years. I live in NC and am originally from ME. I was so happy to see a fruit in the grocery store that was not from Chile and that had been delivered to us in such a pristine condition. Thank you so much for caring about your product and about me. It really made me homesick with its crispy, tart taste- keep up the goood growing!

“Sincerely, Ruth Perreault, Rockingham, NC”

In reply to a follow-up email, Ms. Perreault wrote the following:

“No, I am just an everyday customer in the grocery store. I purchased this

product in Food Lion which I believe you would recognize as having many of the same products as Hannaford Brothers in New England and is part of Delhaize group in Belgium. I am excited about agriculture, not only because I love to eat, but because I am amazed by the depth of service that goes into transporting a fresh, quality product over long distances. Each and every apple in the 3 pound bag I purchased was fresh and unbruised. I observed that all the bags displayed had the same quality so that I did not have to take time hunting for the ‘best’ bag.

“I was brought up to know that food should not be wasted and it seems to me that a few of your folks must have been brought up the same way. Use my words as you see fit- they are sincerely meant. I seldom contact customer service, and did not expect a reply. Yours has meant a lot to me. My only request, if possible, would be to inform your pickers, graders and baggers about my satisfaction.

“Sincerely, Ruth Perreault”

January 2016 Core Report®

This season I am pleased to report the success of our digital programs.

We have run numerous digital coupons across the Northeast and

S o u t h e a s t regions of the country and we just finished up a coupon in the South Central region of the country for the very first time on Empires and McIntosh three pound poly bags. We are starting the New Year

out strong with yet another round of coupons beginning the second weekend of January; not to mention the strong start for Ruby Frost being launched in even more retailers this year, New York apples continue to be in the forefront of consumers reach at the retail level.

Demos will always be an important tool to get consumers trying and buying

New York apples; we will continue to promote demos in-store and backed up with retail ads. With the success of our retail digital promotions,

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 [email protected]

The front page story of the new Cider Rules on taxation clearly defines the recent change in the taxation of hard cider. This change can and will

greatly benefit the hard cider industry and apple growers in New York state and across the country.

Fermented cider or hard cider was a favorite alcohol bev-erage in early A m e r i c a ,

however after prohibition traditional cider-making disappeared from commerce in the United States.

In the early 1980s, a few wineries in the U.S. revived the art of producing hard cider, concurrently, and a few orchards began growing specific apple varieties suited exclusively for making cider.

Today American cider has grown in market acceptance and is reemerging as a specialized category of alcohol beverages. Because of this, new markets for U.S. apples have grown, including a high-value specialty processing market for dedicated cider-apple varieties. New plantings of cider varieties are taking place around the country. The passage of the revised tax codes that specifically address the level of alcohol and the percentage of carbonation in hard cider will fuel this emerging industry. Simply put, it will allow hard cider to be on the same tax level and compete with the monster beer category.

The efforts to change the tax levels for hard cider is not a recent development; actually more than 15 years ago, Undersecretary of Agriculture Gus Shoemaker, used to voice his desire to change the “Draft Cider” laws to better compete with beer. Gus was from New England, and a number of small hard cider operators existed in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. His efforts were in vain, one reason was that the beer category was 99.95 percent dominated by the mega breweries, such as Bud, Miller, and Coors. They voiced powerful opposition to making hard cider more competitive with beer. Things changed, and now that the craft beer industry is exploding, which includes hard cider, those large mega breweries are quickly entering this category with brands such as Angry Orchard, Red’s Apple, Cidre` and Crispin Cider to name a few.

In 2012-13 an all-out effort was put forward to finally change the tax codes which came to fruition late last month. The NYAA has strongly supported the legislation by working closely with both Congress and the Senate. Numerous calls and visits to Congressional offices were made to help educate leaders on the importance and the impact that this would have on the apple industry.

This effort was of great interest, and ironically it was an effort based on the past and not the future. We are always looking for a new market, a new product, with new packaging, for New York apples.

It could be sauce in a tube or a pouch, sliced apples in a bag, juice in a new container or a single apple in a snappy pouch, and at the end of this journey this product has been around since Thomas Jefferson. Cheers!

Jim Allen

Branching Out

Molly Zingler

Cider House Rules

Jim

Digital coupons helppromote state’s crop

See Zingler, Page 11


By Paul [email protected]

I am personally shocked at how passive our industry appears to be about the rumored plans Albany has lined up for your business. Many informed people feel the Governor will tie his wage increase plans to passage of his budget. In essence if he inserts

this he will be holding many l e g i s l a t o r s p r o g r a m s hostage. Very big stakes are in play here.

By now we all are living with the last increase in the New York m i n i m u m wage to $9 an hour.

Pennsylvania just south of us is at the Federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. So if you were to set up a new business maybe Pennsylvania might look quite attractive. Do not forget that every payroll carries an additional 25 percent in related payroll responsibility for you as the employer. So that new $9 is in realty closer to $11.25 cost to you as the floor.

There are many people who are monitoring the delicate balance in the New York legislature. The Assembly has traditionally passed legislation that would support increases to the minimum wage and support much more liberal labor agendas. The Senate has been able to defeat these annual attempts from being passed up to the governor for his signature. If the

Governor includes these agendas in his budget we may be faced with a very new challenge.

I have sat in on various commodity groups that seem as divided on how best to handle this. Some take the stance that they will 100 percent oppose every proposal. Some say they need to keep their head down as it will pass anyway and to fight it will only be used against them on the budget. There seems no clear message at this time coming from agriculture.

I suggest to each of you a homework assignment. If we accept the $.25 an

hour increase that we know is the state law. Second assume you will need to raise everyone in your payroll $.25 to equal the increase.

Now take your 2015 payroll and increase it by this amount plus the mandatory additional 25 percent. Now I ask you which orchard is going to yield you this extra money? If you really wish to get motivated do the same exercise and apply the discussed raise to $15.

We produce fruit in a national/international market place. We must compete with these prices offered. Our

customers are not going to offer us additional money to cover the Albany agendas.

Supply and demand rule the pricing of all products. We may wish to give every New Yorker a raise but the question is who bears the cost of this raise? How many times can New York employers be expected to rise above the market place for labor?

I think this a discussion that you cannot afford to leave to your neighbor to weigh in on. Make no mistake the increase marks a decrease in your minimum wage.

Baker

The Hort ReportNews from the New York State Horticultural Society

Time for you to do some homeworkBy Paul [email protected]

We are planning to hold a full day conference in Syracuse, NY on February 22, 2016. The event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel off of Carrier Circle.

We have not given this event an official name but it will be a full day of informing you of your rights. Too often I think growers feel that they carry the burden of having to prove themselves innocent first. What ever happened to you are innocent until proven guilty?

We are bringing in speakers from the State and Federal levels to discuss how you should prepare for visits from Uncle Sam and other government officials. You will be given presentations on wage and hour to I-9 audits. It is my plan to hold a mock audit and illustrate how you

should prepare and conduct yourself during such an audit.

If we are going to prepare you to sit in on an audit than you need to know what to say. Too often people over answer questions which only lead the interviewer into areas they need not have investigated. We will have a very important session on how to conduct yourself during an interview by the press or during an audit. I feel this presentation will open your eyes to a new reality.

Other questions we will be tackling are what do you need to know about

the VISA snags of last year? How should I prepare my due dates in fear of delays at the understaffed consulate offices? If you are considering if 2016 is the year to jump to the H2A program you need to be here to hear this discussion. Labor is getting tighter from coast to coast. Are you prepared for this tighter market?

What is going on with the Affordable Care Act? This year the ACA is in full compliance mode. Are you properly prepared to comply or defend your position with the IRS?

Yes the IRS is the watch dog over this program.

We will discuss what you need to be doing to comply with this aggressive piece of legislation.

As details firm up I will get details out to everyone. I wanted to take this opportunity to inform to you that Feb. 22, you need to plan to be in Syracuse.

Save the Date: Feb. 22, 2016LabormattersNews fromAgriculturalAffiliates

National apple market trendsBy Jim [email protected]

National apple movement continues to be brisk as we enter the New Year. The much smaller crop compared to last year is moving well and at stronger pricing.

Some comparative movement numbers and pricing out of Washington on conventional apple shipments are seen in this chart.

Pricing for this season has also strengthened from last years, over supply driven low prices.

The prices for week ending Dec. 14-Dec. 20, 2015 for all grades on conventional apples:

The losers this week continue to be: (At least one car load lot)

Braeburn, averaging $18.85 per 40 # carton, Red Delicious $18.14, Jonagold

$17.32. Compared to last year at this time, prices are generally up.

Winners for this week, are: Honeycrisp $68.98, ( 102 cars)

Pinova$39.76, ( 3 cars) Ambrosia $36.68(6 cars)Cripps Pink $31.12 ( 62 cars) Fuji $27.28 ( 258 cars) and Gala$24.41 ( 319 cars)

Last year at this time the Honeycrisp price was averaging $45.53 and the Gala price was $20.00, and Fuji was down to $20.50.


By Frank GasperiniNational Council of Ag Employers

Agricultural employers are among the most highly regulated groups in America. We are regulated by

g o v e r n m e n t at all levels and some are forced to accept non-g o v e r n m e n t rules as if they had force of law for the right to sell your products.

S o m e regulation is usually good for all involved.

The idea of unregulated markets may sound attractive but honest and ethical businesses may face short-term disadvantage from businesses willing to operate absent ethical standards. In completely unregulated markets is that there are no regulations to protect us either.

Long-term the market does self-regulate but it can become impossible to start new businesses, and many smaller businesses are destroyed if there is no regulation to level the playing field.

That said, our current regulatory situation is difficult and confusing at best and will probably get worse before things improve.

Nearly every administration, from local to federal adds stricter or more difficult regulations and stricter enforcement interpretations of existing regulations on their way out. All previous federal administrations

have done this but the current Administration is on pace to be the most active regulator since FDR.

The U.S. Departments of Justice and Labor released a news release on Dec. 18, 2015, that puts all employers on notice of a joint initiative to expand worker-endangerment initiatives that will include investigations, audits, and penalties; including more criminal prosecutions for negligence. Agricultural employers should expect to hear more from OSHA, Wage and Hour, and the Department of Justice in the new-year, and you can count on them being there if there is a serious accident or death occurring on your farm or related to your business. We expect to see announcements like this, increasingly joint releases by two or more agencies or departments regularly in 2016.

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/departments- just ice-and-labor-a n n o u n c e - e x p a n s i o n - w o r k e r -endangerment-initiative-address

Most of you have been audited by Wage and Hour, ICE, OSHA, IRS, and others. These will continue in 2016, so you must be prepared to cooperate and get through these audits as quickly, professionally, and positively as possible. Your best and only defense is to be in compliance with all the governing regulations and up to date on the paperwork; and to have that paperwork ready to use defending yourself.

Every few years IRS writes about who is an employee and who is a contractor. In July 2015, the Administrator of USDOL Wage and Hour published an “Administrator’s Interpretation” announcing that Wage and Hour will be including this issue in upcoming investigations. Here

is the disturbing conclusion of the Administrator’s Interpretation: “In sum, most workers are employees under the FLSA’s broad definitions.” http://www.dol.gov/whd/workers/Misclassification/AI-2015_1.htm

2016 will see full implementation and enforcement of the Affordable Care Act. All employers and individual tax filers will have reporting requirements on their 2015 federal income tax filings due in 2016. Although it may take time for widespread enforcement, potential violations, penalties, and interest will begin to accrue at the end of the 2015 tax year. Smaller employers, who not under the employer mandate are not required to train employees on how to comply, but all employers are required to give every new-hire a letter explaining whether they offer insurance or how to go to the federal exchange for coverage if not. http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-noticeofcoverageoptions.html

Those of you hiring through the H-2A temporary visa program should not expect any abatement of auditing and enforcement. In fact, you already know that you will be audited by Wage and Hour Division of USDOL virtually every year.

The USEPA has issued their final Pesticide Worker Protection Standard. WPS will be implemented over the next 14 months and will be in effect for the 2017 season.

All the impacts are not yet clear, there is annual training, notification, and record-keeping for all employees who will enter treated fields and, or work on equipment that may have residues. There will be buffers to applications near workers and an as-yet unclear designation of “worker representative” who may be able to access your records. USEPA is also in the public comment

period for a new Pesticide Applicator Certification Standard which includes changes to applicator minimum age, testing, and supervision requirements that may impact you.

The current administration is the most labor and union friendly administration since FDR. In 2016 expect to see no drop-off in auditing by Wage and Hour, OSHA, DOT, and other agencies. As states continue to look for funding, they will continue with increased levels of inspections and “document stops,” thus turning enforcement into profit centers. Assume that you will be audited for documents, log-books, tax, labor, and other records at any given time, be ready with all the necessary and up-to-date documentation.

Lastly, make absolutely sure that you are completing and retaining all your payroll records, timekeeping, and pay stubs properly. There are differences for H-2 and non-H-2 employees, but if you have H-2 employees and domestics doing any of the same work the H-2 pay-rates and time offered will apply.

In 2015 a lot of employers got caught-up in innocent mistakes and oversights, or just got behind on documentation. To most regulatory agencies the cause does not matter, violations are violations and will cost you time and money.

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

Gasperini

2016, the Year of the Regulator

State Funds Farm to School programsGov. Andrew Cuomo has announced

that six Farm to School programs across New York have been awarded funding to help increase the use of healthy, locally grown foods on school menus. The programs will serve students Pre-K-12 and operate in both school districts and through several educational partners, including: The Buffalo City School District;Cooperative Extension Association State of New York Schoharie and Otsego Counties; Rensselaer County School District; Saranac Lake Central School District; Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension; and Broome-Delaware-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

“Learning healthy eating habits now will serve our children for their entire lives,” Cuomo said. “The Farm to School initiative encourages thoughtfulness about what we eat and leads to better choices when it comes to nutrition. This program simultaneously educates our youth, promotes locally grown foods, and strengthens the connection between farms and schools across the State.”

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. Funding from the Farm to School program will

be used to train school staff in food preparation and procurement, conduct outreach to producers, educate students, and purchase equipment to support food transport, storage and preparation.

New York produces a wide range of specialty crops, such as fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, herbs and spices, which rank high nationally in terms of production and economic value.

An additional goal of the program is an educational component to increase student knowledge of, and preference for, locally produced specialty crops.

Projects awarded across the include:Western New York

Buffalo City School District: Buffalo Public Schools NYS Harvest of the Month Pilot Project, $43,260

Funds will be usedto build on a prior USDA grant by employing a Farm to School Coordinator to expand the work of the ‘Harvest of the Month’ program, which uses new menu items monthly featuring specialty crops.

Mohawk ValleyCooperative Extension Association

State of New York-Schoharie and Otsego Counties: Schoharie Valley Farm to School Project, $60,800

Funds will be used to increase the number of specialty crop producers that sell to schools by hiring a Regional Farm to School Coordinator to train food service staff on how to add fresh

local produce to the menu. Capital Region

Rensselaer County: Rensselaer County Farm to School Project, $61,889

Funds will be used tohire a Farm to School Educator and a Farm to School Coordinator to conduct outreach to farmers and to train food service staff in two districts about procurement of locally produced specialty crops and how to prepare them for school lunch programs.

North CountrySaranac Lake Central School District:

Multi-County Adirondack Farm to School Initiative, $46,917

Funds will be used tobuild on a prior USDA grant by establishing a shared-resource program in three school districts using procurement, school gardens and curriculum components. A Farm to School Regional Coordinator will provide project coordination, implementation and outreach.

Finger LakesSeneca County Cornell Cooperative

Extension: Seneca County Farm to School Program, $36,179

Funds will be usedto partner with four school districts in Seneca County and hire a Farm to School Educator to increase the number of NY producers selling to schools from six to twelve, to purchase equipment to assist food service staff with preparing fruit and vegetablesand provide

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification to farmers.

Southern TierBroome-Delaware-Tioga Board of

Cooperative Educational Services: Southern Tier Farm to School Project, $74,970

Funds will be usedto employ a Farm to School Coordinator and a Farm to School Consultant to train food staff, purchase specialized equipment to transport specialty crops and to recruit farms, food hubs and processers within a six-county region.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which administers the program, received 20 proposals for the Farm to School program. Projects were awarded based on a scoring criteria aligned with program objectives.

This Farm to School grant program was first announced as a result of Governor Cuomo’s Capital for a Day in Rochester. 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

See Schools, Page 12


Winter Fruit Schools set• Sessions planned in Lockport, Lake George, Kingston

Lake OntarioThe Lake Ontario Winter Fruit

School will be held Feb. 1 at the Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension Training Center in Lockport and Feb. 2 at the Newark Garden Hotel.

DEC recertification training credits have been applied for. Bring your DEC Applicator identification and arrive on time to sign the roster and plan to stay all day. DEC will not allow partial credit.

The schedule includes:8 a.m. Registration, DEC sign in.8:30 Welcome and introcuations.8:35 Useful Business Metrics: You

Can’t Manage if You Don’t Measure – Matt Wells, CCE LOF.

8:50 PGR Strategies for Improving Production Practices – Poliana Francescatto, Cornell.

9:15 NY Apple Association: Promotional Activity Update – Molly Zingler.

9:30 Spotted Wing Drosophila: A Threat to Berries and Stone Fruit – Juliet Carrol, Cornell.

10:15 Coffee break.10:45 Pollinator Management: The

Importance of Wild Bees – Bryan Danforth and Maria Van Dyke, Cornell.

11:15 NYS Horticulture Society Update – Paul Baker and Ned Morgan.

11:30 Fire Blight Control Using Copper, Antibiotics and Apogee – Kerik Cox, Cornell.

Noon Lunch.1 p.m. Brown Marmorated Stink

Bug: What Can We Expect in 2016 – Peter Jentsch.

1:30 Food Safety Modernization Act and the Impact to Fruit Producers – Craig Kahlke, CCE LOF.

1:45 NY1 Cultural Practices: What We Have Learned – Grower Panel led by Mario Miranda-Sazo, CCE LOF.

2:15 Sponsor Spots.2:30 Black Stem Borer: 2015

Learnings and Future Expectations – Art Agnello, Cornell.

3 Precision Management: How and Why You Should Irrigate – Jaume Lordan Sanahuja, Cornell.

3:25 Orchard Removal: An Important Aspect of a Farms Strategic Plan – Matt Wells, CCE LOF.

Northeastern N.Y.The Northeastern New York

Commercial Tree Fruit School will be held Feb. 15 at the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center 48 Canada Street, Lake George.

The schedule includes:7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Registration

and coffee, sign morning DEC recertification rosters

8:30 Welcome and Announcements, Anna Wallis, Cornell Coop. Extension ENYCHP, Plattsburgh

8:40 Review of the 2015 insect pest management season in ENY, Peter Jentsch, Cornell Hudson Valley Research Lab Inc., Highland

9:10 Apple disease concerns and management updates from the 2015 season, Dr. Kerik Cox, Dept. of Plant Pathology, Cornell Univ., Geneva

9:40 PGR Strategies for Improving Production Practices – 2015 review, Dr. Poliana Francescatto, Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Geneva

10:10 Precision Management: How and Why We Should Irrigate, Dr. Jaume Lordan, Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell Univ., Geneva

10:40 Morning Break and Trade Show

11 Food Safety & FSMA, What You Need to Know, Dr. Betsy Bihn, Produce Safety Alliance Director, Cornell

11:30 DEC Updates, John Bennett, NYS DEC Bureau of Pest Management, Warrensburg

Noon Lunch and Visit Trade Show1 p.m.. The Washington State Apple

Industry: A Travelog, Anna Wallis, Peter Jentsch, Gemma Reig Cordoba

1:20 Factors to Consider When Assessing a Variety’s Potential, Robert Weybright, Cornell Coop. Extension ENYCHP, Poughkeepsie

1:50 The Potential for Cider Apple Production in the Northeast, Terence Bradshaw, University of Vermont, Department of Plant and Soil Science

2:20 Break2:40 Crop Insurance Considerations,

Sarah Johnston, NYS Dept. of Ag and Markets

3 NEWA, How to Get the Most Out of It, Dr. Julie Carroll, Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell

3:30 Update on Pesticides and Pollinators in New York State, Emma Mullen, Cornell Univ. Dept. of

Entomology, Ithaca4 New York New York Apple

Association Update, Jim Allen, President New York Apple Association, Fishers

4:15 NY Turning Point Survey4:30 End of Meeting, Pick up

Pesticide Credit certificates.

Hudson ValleyThe 2016 Hudson Valley Commercial

Fruit Growers’ School will be held Feb. 16-18 at the Best Western Plus Hotel (formerly the Garden Plaza Hotel), 503 Washington Avenue, Kingston.

You must be on time and in attendance to receive DEC credits.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 – Tree Fruit Session 1

8 to 9 a.m. Registration & Coffee. Sign morning DEC recertification rosters.

9 Welcome and Announcements, Dan Donahue, CCE ENYCHP, Hudson Valley Lab (HVL), Highland

9:05 Apple Disease Concerns and Management Updates from the 2015 Season, Dr. Kerik Cox, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, NYSAES, Geneva

9:50 Hard Cider has a Bright Future in the Hudson Valley, Ryan Burk, Angry Orchard/Boston Beer Company, Montgomery

10:20 Networking Break10:45 FSMA and the Produce Rule:

What You Need to Know, John-Erik

See Schools, Page 11


NYAA sponsorskeynote speakerat Producers Expo

The New York Apple Association is pleased to be able to provide funds to bring Dr. Desmond O’Rourke to Syracuse to discuss the Mystery of Apples in China at the 2016 Empire State Producers Expo.

Dr. “Des” is the publisher and editor of the World Apple Report, which is considered to be the best source of World Apple News. The report is published by Belrose, Inc., from Pullman Washington and covers topics such as, Market Demand, Business News, Country News and Trade News from around the world. Interesting topics and trends such as The Challenges of Premium Apple Varieties, Fruit Industry Role in Immigration, and numerous articles on China are published monthly. He is

considered one of the world’s f o r e m o s t authorities of the Chinese apple industry. He has spoken, written and testified on all aspects of China’s apple industry, from p r o c e s s i n g concentrate to exporting fresh

apples. Dr. Des is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 1:15 p.m. His talk will be appropriately followed by a Panel Discussion on Apple Varieties of the World at 2 p.m.

Former AgricultureCommissioneraddresses NYAA boardBy Jim [email protected]

Last month in Syracuse, former Commissioner of Ag and Markets Nathan Rudgers talked to the New York Apple Association board of directors about a subject dear to his heart: strategic planning.

When Rudgers was Commissioner, in 2000, he was involved with the last and maybe only industry wide strategic planning that took place in New York for the apple industry.

This study under the guidance and leadership of George Lamont was a yearlong project that drilled down deep into the industry to identify our strengths and our weaknesses. That took place back in 2000 culminating with “A Strategic Plan for the New York Apple Industry,” which was presented at the Leadership Forum in January of 2001.

Rudgers, now with Farm Credit East, has since continued his expertise in strategic planning for many different

segments of a g r i c u l t u r e , i n c l u d i n g dairy in New York and in n e i g h b o r i n g states.

Is there a need for new and refreshed study of the present New York apple industry? Is there value in

comparing our industry now, compared to 16 years ago; and has the industry changed enough to warrant such undertaking? Do we need to identify our mission, vision and objectives as they relate to our diverse industry? How do we address the growing managed variety trend and how that relates to AMO guidelines? Will GMO’s

O’Rourke

Rudgers

See Board, Page 12

Kind™ demos highlight apples

This past October more than 8,000 New York apples were passed out to workers in Boston and on the streets of New York City. As a sponsor of US Apple’s Apple4Ed campaign, KIND bars partnered with us to spread the good word about New York apples to consumers.


Ag experts agree ‘NY Loves Food’ at Oct. 14 eventBy Matt HayesCornell Chronicle

A spirit of growth and innovation animated talks throughout “New York Loves Food” Oct. 14 at Cornell’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva.

The summit, hosted by state Sen. Michael Nozzolio ’77, R-54th Dist., gathered growers, food processors, state officials, legislators and experts from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to discuss shared interests vital to a dynamic New York agricultural sector.

Business leaders from Seneca Foods, Wegmans Food Markets, Anheuser Busch, Cheribundi, Constellation Brands and others took part in discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Brian Nicholson, owner of Red Jacket Orchards, said farmers have always had a strand of innovativeness that he considered fundamental to American ingenuity.

“The entrepreneurial spirit that is the basis of agriculture, it’s really a part of America,” said Nicholson. “We are proud to be a part of that.”

Founded in 1949 as a farm operation growing apples, family-owned Red Jacket Orchards has evolved over the last few years into a branded company specializing in premium fruits and cold-pressed juices. Nicholson credited the support of Cornell and its New York State Food Venture Center as critical to the success of the Geneva-based company as it has expanded into value-added products. He said he expects sales to triple in the coming

years as Red Jacket Orchards expands distribution across the country.

That sense of optimism was palpable throughout the conference.

“Timing is everything, and we are at the cusp of greater growth,” Nozzolio said of opportunities available to growers in the region and throughout the state.

Nozzolio praised the support afforded by Cornell facilities, faculty and researchers as a boon to all in the agricultural sector. “Cornell is, I believe, the key to unlocking the great additional potential that exists for the development of food,” he said.

Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of CALS, noted that food and agriculture contribute roughly $96 billion to the New York economy each year. That impact is felt through production, processing, value-added foods and beverages and by contributing to the profitability of affiliated industries, she said.

As persistent drought and climate change affects growers in California and other western growing states, Boor said New York has the potential to increase the share of its agricultural products sold throughout the region and the country.

“Certainly the fact that we over-rely on California’s ability to produce 50 percent of the nation’s fruits and vegetables should be a call to action for those of us on the east coast – like New York – who will have water,” she said.

She sees that water, along with abundant land and a growing season increasing in length, as an opportunity for New York growers, especially as

technological advances make their way into fields and orchards.

“The future requires us to be more efficient. The future requires everyone – conventional and organic farmers – to embrace technology, precision agriculture and plant breeding at a time when many consumers are skeptical of science and technology in food production,” she said.

Kraig H. Kayser, MBA ’84, president and CEO of Seneca Foods, noted the rich soil, improving climate for agriculture and proximity to the New York City consumer market all position the state for growth.

Kayser said there are now hundreds of agricultural entrepreneurs, large and small, vying to take advantage of economic factors tilting in favor of New York growers and processors.

The dynamism of the market reminded Kayser of the entrepreneurial

spirit exhibited by Seneca Foods founder Art Wolcott ’49, who pioneered juice evaporation to produce frozen concentrated Concord grape juice.

That company Wolcott started in 1958 has grown into one of the largest fruit and vegetable processors in North America, with 23 plants and $1.2 billion in revenue.

Kayser said that Cornell played a pivotal role in Wolcott’s early success, and that support has continued through partnerships with NYSAES. He credited breeding research undertaken at NYSAES and resources through the Food Venture Center as factors that facilitate growth for processors of all sizes.

“This new era has brought attention to New York like it hasn’t seen in over 50 years,” he said.

Molly Zingler of the New York Apple Association was in attendance at this event.

Matt Hayes/College of Agriculture and Life SciencesBrian Nicholson, second from right, discusses his company Red Jacket Orchards during an Oct. 14 panel focused on farm and food innovators led by Dean Kathryn Boor. Joining Nicholson on the panel were Olivia Blanchflower of Grow NYC; Paul Zittel, of Eden Valley Growers; Bill Strassburg, of Wegmans; and Dirk Biemans, of Intergrow Greenhouses.


EPA proposes to end accessto popular apple insecticideBy Julia Stewart

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to revoke food residue tolerances for the insecticide chlorpyrifos, a move that would ban use of the popular crop-protection tool on all food crops sold in this country. Chlorpyrifos is marketed under numerous trade names, including Dursban and Lorsban.

The roots of EPA’s new proposal began in 2007, when environmental activist groups petitioned the agency to ban all uses of the insecticide. To date the agency has not finally responded to the petition, instead stating it wanted to further study chlorpyrifos’ safety. To compel EPA to respond, in 2014

the groups sued the agency. Under pressure from the court to make a decision about chlorpyrifos’ future, EPA formally proposed to revoke its tolerances on Nov. 6, 2015, and directed the public to respond to its proposal within 60 days.

A broad range of agriculture groups immediately protested, including Minor Crop Farmer Alliance and MCFA-member U.S. Apple Association, requesting an additional 90 days to allow interested parties the time needed to collect the extensive information needed to respond to EPA’s proposal.

Then in early December the court directed EPA to act by the end of this year. EPA subsequently denied

requests to extend the proposal’s public comment period deadline of Jan. 5.

In MCFA’s response to the EPA proposal, USApple and other co-signers took issue with EPA’s science and process.

By relying on epidemiology papers whose underlying data is not available to the public, instead of existing animal exposure studies, “the agency is replacing scientific results with guesswork,” the co-signers wrote. The co-signers also took issue with the agency’s use of unrefined models to estimate consumers’ exposure to residues in drinking water instead of using available water monitoring data.

The co-signers also took umbrage with agency’s plan to limit public

comment, demanding due process before a final decision is made. “The agency should unconditionally commit to allow the public to comment… The policy issues involved in this action are too significant to not allow full public comment,” MCFA and its member groups told EPA.

MCFA’s comments also expressed concern that the agency could be setting a poor precedent for how it will review the safety of other pesticides in the future.

EPA has not set a deadline for issuing a final decision on the future of chlorpyrifos, nor has it indicated when a final decision would go into effect. As written, its proposal would not affect the 2016 growing season.

Public Relations

NYAA’s PR Director updates BoardBy Julia Stewart

The New York Apple Association’s public relations activities to promote the state’s 2015 apple crop are proceeding in an orderly manner, similar to the crop’s

movement, NYAA Public Relations Director Julia Stewart told the association’s board members at their meeting in December.

The PR program’s goals are to generate media attention to help move the crop, while building relationships with reporters that credential NYAA as the go-to source for apple information. The association employs a range of media tactics, including:

• contacting reporters regularly with news to keep New York state apples top of mind with them;

• reaching out to all media types, including traditional print, radio and television;

• while also offering exclusive opportunities from time to time; and

• increasing our “new” media activities, including social media and video.

NYAA establishes a calendar of topics to promote at the beginning of each crop year, beginning with bloom, continuing through harvest and the year-end holidays and into the New Year.

So far this crop year, NYAA has contacted consumer

and/or trade media to encourage them to report on:• arrival of bloom statewide;• nutrition spokesperson Linda Quinn’s appearance

at the Great New York State Fair;• Susan McAleavey Sarlund succeeding her father

as NYAA Northeast account manager;• arrival of harvest statewide, touting the state’s

variety and quality;• unveiling of the revamped NYCider.com;• announcing new online resources for reporters,

including a calendar of what’s happening in state orchards each month and year-round story ideas;

• Linda Quinn’s fall tour of live, in-studio television appearances;

• winners of NYAA’s school recipe contest, proving that good-for-you foods can taste great too;

• crowning of McIntosh as the New York City marathon’s official apple and NYAA’s 18th year as a race sponsor; and

• news that a whopping 35 million state apples are now distributed annually to New York City schools.

Stewart also reported on the types of questions that reporters are asking NYAA staff, including “lots of ‘Chicken Little’ is-the-apple-sky-falling questions” that underscore the need to educate reporters about the industry, she noted.

In addition to NYAA’s media relations activities, NYAA has also steadily been expanding its activities on Facebook, the top social media site of NYAA’s target audience of women aged 25-54 (typically the family food shopper and nutrition gatekeeper).

NYAA’s 2015-crop PR activities will continue for as long as New York state apples are in the marketplace.

NYAA’s Facebook posts cover a broad range of topics to capture consumers’ attention for New York state apples – staff even munched apples to encourage New Yorkers to vote for a New York school district competing in a U.S. Apple Association contest.

Consumers rank local produce a priorityBy Tom KarstThe Packer

American consumers value locally grown fruits and vegetables more than any other kind of locally-sourced supermarket food, according to a new poll.

A Harris Poll of 2,225 U.S. adults in mid-October found that 67 percent of Americans say it is important that they buy locally-grown fresh produce.

That’s higher than dairy products (56 percent), bakery items (55 percent ), deli food (43 percent) and frozen products (26 percent), according to a news release.

The poll indicates that 69 percent of all consumers believe local food

supports the local economy and 68 percent believe local produce is fresher.

“While consumers appear to care more about purchasing locally grown fresh food compared to non-fresh food, this may be a result of the larger assortment of local options available in the fresh departments,” Sherry Frey, senior vice president with The Nielsen Perishables Group, said in the release.

The prime position of local fruits and vegetables in the consumer poll makes sense, said Dick Spezzano, president of Spezzano Consulting Services, Monrovia, Calif.

“You have more of a chance of carrying local produce than anything else,” Spezzano said. Fish, beef and pork are comparatively more difficult to source locally, he said.

In California, local produce is available year-round, he noted, while other states might only have several months of local fruits and vegetables.

Spezzano said several supermarkets have encouraged local growers to plant more acreage, which has accelerated the buy-local trend. Some supermarkets promote the identity of their growers, and in some cases put up signs that tell consumers exactly how far the farm is from that specific store.

The local produce message resonates with millennial consumers, Spezzano said. “It’s a heck of a marketing effort, but it is a true trend, too.”

Considering all types of local food purchases, the poll found that 50 percent of consumers say “local” is an important factor in purchasing decisions.

Americans surveyed put a number of factors ahead of “local” in purchasing decisions, including sugar content (69 percent), fat content (66 percent), sodium content (64 percent) and calorie count (64 percent). On the other hand, the importance of local is rated substantially higher than whether food items are organic (34 percent), according to the poll.

The poll said grocery retailers (46 percent) and farmer’s markets (44 percent) are the top destinations for local purchases, trailed by farm stands (27 percent), big box retailers (18 percent) and club stores (16 percent). Other options reported include food cooperatives (8 percent), Community Supported Agriculture (5 percent) and an online (4 percent).

Stewart


Cornell to host food safety instituteBy Matt HayesCornell Chronicle

Cornell University will be home to a comprehensive center combining food safety research and training for New York growers and producers, offering a farm-to-fork bulwark against foodborne illness in compliance with new, stricter federal regulations.

The Institute for Food Safety at Cornell, announced Dec. 15 with a $2 million state grant, establishes a center unique in its comprehensive approach connecting training and applied research to check the rise of foodborne illness. The institute will harness Cornell’s existing strengths across food production systems in fruits, vegetables and dairy foods to help growers and processors comply with the demands of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act.

Located at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, the institute will bring together Cornell scientists and extension experts to address outbreaks and proactively attend to a variety of food safety related issues through applied research, outreach and training, according to Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“The long-term vision is for the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell to become the pre-eminent source of scientific research, training and outreach in dairy and produce safety

in the U.S. and beyond,” Boor said. “Accomplishing this goal will not only support economic growth of the produce and dairy industry in New York, but it will also help increase exports for dairy and produce products.”

Betsy Bihn, whose research focus has helped reduce microbial risks to fresh fruits and vegetables, will be involved in leadership of the new institute. She has an extensive background promoting public health through on-farm practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illness from contamination in the field, during harvest and during transport.

“The Institute for Food Safety at Cornell is a great opportunity to focus on our strengths to better serve New Yorkers who need food safety training and expertise to support their farms and processing businesses,” Bihn said. “There are very few places that can truly provide food safety expertise farm to fork like the Experiment Station. This institute will provide the framework to assemble all the key pieces that are already here to build a unique, valuable and much-needed resource in light of new regulations associated with the Food Safety Modernization Act.”

The 2011 bill contains five key elements to combat foodborne illness by shifting focus from contamination response to prevention. Those mandates span increased preventive controls, inspection and compliance authority, tools to ensure the safety of imported food, response through actions like recall authority for all food

products, and enhanced partnerships.NYSAES director Susan K. Brown

said that the institute comes at a critical time for the agricultural industry.

“The issue of food safety has never been more important. While we have the technology to trace back to sources of contamination in our food supply, the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell will proactively help prevent such contamination from the start by providing training and the knowledge base to conduct state-of-the-art safe agricultural practices,” Brown said.

Boor applauded the work of state Sen. Michael Nozzolio ’73, M.S. ’77, R-54th Dist., for his work securing the grant:

“It is thanks to Senator Nozzolio’s unflagging support that the college will be able to do truly transformative work in advancing food safety technology and innovation,” she said.

“This funding builds on the momentum created earlier this fall with the announcement of $600,000 to secure a state-of-the-art Hiperbaric High Pressure Processing machine for the Experiment Station. This combined funding is a game changer for Geneva and the central Finger Lakes region and it helps to position the Experiment Station at the forefront of food safety. The institute will become a magnet for job growth in our region,” Nozzolio said.

An aerial view of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva.

‘Taste NY’ triplesits sales in 2015

ALBANY — Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that Taste NY has achieved his goal of tripling gross sales of participating vendors in 2015.

In less than one year, total gross sales of New York products from Taste NY events and stores have jumped from approximately $1.5 million in 2014 to over $4.5 million as of Dec. 30, 2015.

“The momentum behind Taste NY continues and is helping to expand New York’s thriving food and beverage industry faster than anyone thought possible,” Cuomo said. “I’m proud that our ambitious sales goal has been reached and that these efforts are helping to create jobs, support farmers and small businesses, and get the word out about the world-class products made right here in New York.”

Last year, Cuomo called for the further development of Taste NY in order to continue strengthening New York’s growing food and beverage industry. This plan added four new Taste NY stores, increased marketing opportunities, established several new partnerships and strengthened connections to consumers across the globe.

The latest piece of this expansion includes a new Taste NY Café at Whiteface Mountain which officially opened its doors last week. This brand new agri-tourism attraction provides visitors the opportunity to try some of the best local food and beverages while enjoying some of the world’s best

skiing. The Taste NY Café offers a wide range of North Country and New York State agricultural products—from local yogurts, cheeses and baked goods to craft beer, hard cider and wine.

On Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, New Yorkers were invited to celebrate the Taste NY Café with a grand opening event. Skiers and riders will be able to enjoy New York food and beverages, and other treats and selections. In addition, those who bring a bag of groceries to donate to the local food pantry will receive as much as 50 percent off a lift ticket.

The Taste NY Café at Whiteface builds on the successful concession partnerships forged in 2015 with major venues and sports arenas like the Times Union Center in Albany, as well as Minor League Baseball teams across the State, including the Tri-City Valley Cats and Batavia Muckdogs. Additionally, more than 1,100 vendors and small companies participated in more than 43 Taste NY special events, ranging from the New York State Racing Association’s Belmont Stakes and the Saratoga Race Course to the Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally, Summer Fancy Food Show and the Great New York State Fair.

Another key part of Taste NY’s success was the addition of four Taste NY stores opened earlier this year

See Sales, Page 12


Happy New Year!By Susan Sarlund

It’s that time of year again, time to hit the “reset” button.

Seems that since Thanksgiving we’ve been snacking, nibbling and filling our bellies with sugary treats and baked goods that taste good but aren’t that good for you. Well, here’s the good news ~ the holiday season is officially over and it’s time to get back to reality and get those New Year’s resolutions established.

We are so lucky to have a product to sell that caters to this time of year. Throughout the world Jan. 1 marks the

point in time when people try to get healthy by exercising and eating better.

Here are eight powerful reasons to be eating more apples:

1. Apples assist with appetite control

2. Apples boost your mood

3. Apples lower your bad cholesterol

4. Apples can help build muscle and prevent obesity

5. Apples help ward off cancer6. Apples sharpen your memory7. Apples could strengthen the

immune system8. Apples Increase Your EnergyComplementing these eight reasons,

is the fact that an Apple A Day can also contribute to weight loss — another very popular New Year’s resolution.

Kathy Freston, a health and wellness activist and author, published an article saying that the secret to weight loss is all about “crowding out,” not cutting

out certain things in your diet. You actually crowd out the junk you think you crave by choosing foods in your diet that keep you satisfied throughout the day. In all the medical literature, the dietary component most linked with weight loss is fiber consumption and New York apples are full of natural fiber.

Here’s to 2016! We will be out in the trade talking up these benefits of New York apples and supporting them in-stores with point-of-sale cards, demos, ad support and digital marketing.

Good Selling…

Sarlund

Kocho-Schellenberg, CCE ENYCHP, Ulster CCE, Middletown

11:10 NYS Horticultural Society Public Affairs Update, Chuck Mead, President, NYS Horticultural Society & Mead Orchards, Tivoli

11:40 New York Apple Association Update, Jim Allen, President New York Apple Association, Fishers, NY

12:05 Update & Annual Meeting for the Hudson Valley Research Laboratory, Inc., Peter Jentsch, Superintendent, Cornell Hudson Valley Research Laboratory, Inc., Highland,

12:05 Announcements and stamp morning DEC certificates

12:10 Lunch and networking1:15 Sign afternoon DEC

recertification rosters1:30 Call to Order and

Announcements, Dan Donahue, CCE ENYCHP, HVL, Highland

1:35 Black Stem Borer – A New Nemesis Emerges, Dr. Art Agnello, Department of Entomology, Cornell University NYSAES, Geneva

2:10 Crop Insurance: One Grower’s Unit Strategies and the New Supplemental Coverage, James Bittner. President, Singer Orchards, Niagara County

2:50 Networking Break3:05 Native Entomopathogenic

Nematodes for Biological Control of Plum Curculio, Tessa Lessord, Department of Entomology, NYSAES, Geneva

3:35 Updates from our Industry Sponsors

3:55 Final announcements and stamp afternoon DEC certificates. Trade Show (Vendors TBA)

Wed. Feb. 17Tree Fruit Session 2

8 a.m. Registration & coffee. Sign morning DEC recertification rosters.

9 Welcome and Announcements, Dan Donahue, CCE ENYCHP, HVL, Highland

9:05 Factors to Consider When Assessing a Variety’s Potential, Bob Weybright, Cornell Cooperative Extension-ENYCHP, Poughkeepsie

9:35 Review of the 2015 Pest Management Season in ENY

10:15 Break10:30 Update on Pesticides and

Pollinators in New York State, Emma Mullen, Dept. of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca

11 Precision Management: How and Why We Should Irrigate, Dr. Jaume Lordan Sanahuja, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University NYSAES, Geneva

11:30 Results From Our 2015

Plant Growth Regulator Trials at Geneva, Dr. Poliana Francescatto, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University, NYSAES, Geneva

Noon Announcements and stamp morning DEC certificates

12:05 Lunch and networking1:15 Sign afternoon DEC

recertification rosters1:30 Call to Order and

Announcements, Dan Donahue, CCE ENYCHP, HVL, Highland

1:35 Using Plant Growth Regulators to Induce Lateral Branching, Jon Clements, Fruit Specialist, Cold Spring Orchard, University of Massachusetts, Belchertown, Mass.

2:05 Pome and Stone Fruit Viruses – The Continuing Threat, Dr. Marc Fuchs, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University, NYSAES, Geneva

2:35 Tree Fruit Horticultural Research at the Hudson Valley Lab, Dr. Gemma Reig Cordoba, Cornell Hudson Valley Research Laboratory, Inc., Highland

3:10 The Washington State Apple Industry: A Travelog, CCE ENYCHP & HVRL, Inc., Plattsburgh & Highland

3:40 The Economics of GAP Certification, Jesse Strzok, Cornell Cooperative Extension – ENYCHP, Hudson Falls

4 Update on Plum Pox Virus in the Hudson Valley, Margaret K. Kelly, Assistant Director, Division of Plant Industry New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, Albany

February 18, 2016Berry Grower Session

8:50 a.m. Call to Order and Announcements, Laura McDermott, CCE Eastern NY Commercial Hort., Hudson Falls

9 a.m. Extending local strawberry

production using low tunnel technology, Laura McDermott, CCE Eastern NY Commercial Hort., Hudson Falls

9:30 White Pine Blister Rust 101 – What this means for Ribes production, Steven McKay, Micosta Nursery, Hudson

10 Finding Revenue in your Berry Business, Dan Welch, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell

10:40 Growing Figs in Upstate NY, Ron Wagner, CNY Figgery, Rome

11:10 Using Native Nematodes to Control Strawberry Root weevil, Elson Shields, Dept. of Entomology, Cornell

11:40 Research Update: Invasive Insects in Berry Crops (SWD, BMSB), Greg Loeb, Dept. Entomology, Cornell

12:10 Final announcements – Stamp DEC Credit forms – Adjourn

12:15 LunchTree Fruit Session 3

1 p.m. NEWA “Hands-On” Workshop: How to Use Computer Models for Effective IPM & Precision Orchard Management Implementation, Dr. Juliet Carroll, NYS Integrated Pest Management Program, NYSAES, Geneva

Grape Session1 p.m. Call to order - Sign afternoon

DEC Recertification rosters.1:10 Vineyard Weed Management,

Andrew Senesac, CCE of Suffolk County, Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center, Riverhead

1:45 Research Update: Grapevine Leafroll and Grape Mealybugs, Greg Loeb, Entomology Dept., Cornell, Geneva Experiment Station, Geneva

2:15 Navigating the Farm Labor Maze: Resources from the Cornell Farm Worker Program, Mary Jo Dudley, Director Cornell Farm Worker Program, Cornell

2:55 SWD Management in Grapes, Peter Jentsch, Entomology Dept., Cornell, HVL, Highland

3:30 Using Frost Blankets to Protect Sensitive Vinifera in the Hudson Valley, Jim O’Connell, CCE ENYCHP, and Ulster County, Highland

3:45 HVRL Vineyard Update, Jim O’Connell, CCE ENYCHP, and Ulster County, Highland

4 Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) Hands on Lab, Julie Carroll, NYS Fruit IPM Coordinator, Geneva Experiment Station, Geneva. Hands on NEWA workshop to help growers use and understand the various grape pest models offered through NEWA. Please bring your own computer.

5:30 HVW&G Association Business Meeting, Bruce Tripp, HVW&G, Vice President

SchoolsContinued from Page 6

couponing and online promotions are key tools that are continuing to gain momentum and we want to be ahead of the pack when it comes to offering the consumer a value and creating greater volume for our shippers. I was on a call with our digital couponing company prior to Christmas and was speaking to a Senior Account Manager who told me she had never handled any other fresh produce coupon set-up before (bagged salads don’t count) and was excited that we are having such great success. Kudos to our innovative promotions!

ZinglerContinued from Page 3

Molly


bringing the total number of stores to 11. This includes the very first Taste NY store outside of New York which was established in Old San Juan Puerto Rico and new stores inside travel plazas and rest stops along state highways. The 11 stores have been proving hugely successful with the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill having recently hit a major milestone and bringing in $1 million in sales, and the Grand Central Station store reporting having carried 3,500 different products and having served 53,000 customers in 2015.

Additionally, the New York State Department of Agriculture and

Markets partnered with Empire State Development to provide New Yorkers and visitors worldwide instant access to a list of all the Taste NY agri-tourism destinations through the I LOVE NY mobile app, bringing greater exposure to New York’s food and beverage businesses across the state.

The department also worked with Food Export USA and Empire State Development this year to ensure Taste NY products were included in the Governor Cuomo’s trade missions to Cuba and Puerto Rico.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Taste NY program is making a significant impact on our farmers and producers, helping to provide exposure for their products and grow their business. New York has some of the most unique and diverse

food and beverages in the world, and I couldn’t be happier to see that consumers from across the globe are taking notice and responding to the Taste NY brand to support New York homemade products.”

Brian Nicholson, president & CEO of Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, said, “Taste NY has increased the visibility of our fresh cold pressed juices to consumers from across the country who’ve stopped at one of the Thruway stops. This access to a broad segment of consumers is helping build our brand from regional to national. In fact by the end of October we’re excited to be in over 1700 Kroger locations nationwide. Thanks to Taste NY placement, we actually have a chance to reach those consumers as well as expand in our core regional area.”

Export Report

Trade dispute with Canada, Mexico resolvedU.S. Apple Association

On Dec. 18, the Senate followed the House in passing a bipartisan spending bill to fund the government through Sept. 30, 2016.

The legislation ensures continuity for USApple priority programs including the Market Access Program, Specialty Crop Research Initiative, Specialty Crop Block Grants and Federal Crop Insurance.

Importantly, the bill also repeals Country of Origin Labeling for meat, ending a trade dispute with Canada and Mexico and averting the imposition of $1 billion in tariffs on U.S. products.

“This is extremely good news for the U.S. apple industry and we thank Congress for fixing this critical trade problem,” said USApple Chairman Mike Wade of Washington state. “Canada and Mexico are our top two export markets, valued at more than $450 million annually. If these tariffs had been allowed to take effect, it would have cost jobs and potentially put growers out of business from

coast to coast.” Resolving the trade dispute has

been a top legislative priority for USApple and apple leaders from all of the major producing states, including Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, Idaho, Ohio and the New England states, all of which weighed in with their respective Congressional delegations urging action.

adversely impact our industry or will they complement production? How will the growing fresh segment be impacted by a diminishing processing market or with no processing market at all? As addressed in 2000, how can New York attract or improve the processing industry? And finally what is the future of the Apple Marketing Order, and how would the order need to change in order to have value to the industry?

All of these questions and many more were articulated to the members by Rudgers. His candid remarks on what growers will need to address in order to continue to strengthen the New York apple industry were spoken with authority and enthusiasm.

In 2000, folks from across the New York industry, from growers, packers, marketers, educators, processors, retailers, government agencies and associations all participated in the study. From the study, many eyes were opened, some bad practices were identified, many outdated procedures were looked at and many threats and weaknesses were called out and prioritized for correction. At the same time we examined our strengths, we focused on building on those strengths in order to compete and be successful. One of the those strengths was the leadership that participated, including Nathan Rudgers and George Lamont and many, many more individuals that worked diligently for the good of the industry.

If it is decided to move forward, 16 years later; new leadership and new commitments will be needed to carry out the task at hand. An undertaking this important cannot be second-hand or delegated; it has to be first-hand with a hands-on approach for success.

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procurement of New York 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, “The projects awarded today will help overcome some of the challenges schools may face in sourcing products locally and make it easier for them to increase the use of New York grown foods straight from the farm. We are encouraged by the tremendous response we had from applicants and the growing interest in making sure our schoolchildren have access to fresh, healthy foods, but also that they know and understand where their

meals come from.”New York State Health Commissioner

Dr. Howard Zucker said, “Under Governor Cuomo, New York continues to strengthen the ties between New York’s farms and schools. It is a symbiotic relationship that benefits our local agricultural economy and ensures that our schoolchildren get the nutrient-rich foods they need from local sources. Good nutrition remains a cornerstone of health and well-being.”

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn M. Destito said, “The Farm to School program will help teach children to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their meals and as snacks. OGS has already helped bring a number of locally grown products to students and is excited that this program initiated by Governor Cuomo will strengthen that effort.”

State Senator Patty Ritchie said, “When we have more fresh, locally

grown foods in our schools, we not only improve student health, we also expand markets for our state’s hardworking farmers. This initiative builds on our prior work to better connect farmers with people who are looking to eat nutritious, locally grown foods, and I’m pleased to see these schools receive funding that will encourage them to put more healthy foods in their lunchrooms.”

Assemblyman Bill Magee said, “My Assembly colleagues, from New York City to the North Country, and I have long been supportive of Farm to School. Last week our Committees on Agriculture, Education and our Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy sponsored a meeting to discuss efforts to expand purchases of New York foods.”

These grants are a great start and I look forward to our students having access to more healthy local fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat.”

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