The Fruit Growers News


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Changes in Virginia Growers Association

Nancy Israel, executive director of the Virginia Apple Growers Association for the past seven years, will be leaving her position on April 15. The Virginia State Apple Board voted March 13 to eliminate the full-time position and instead hire two part-time contractual employees, according to Diane Kearns, chair of the board. For the past eight months members of the board have been hashing out budget issues as costs rise. “The money just isn’t here,” said Kearns. One contract employee will be hired for administrative duties while another will be hired for marketing, Kearns said. The Virginia Apple Growers Association represents 200-250 growers with a yearly budget close to $250,000. Virginia growers produce approximately 6.5 million bushels of apples yearly. She said the board is contemplating the U.S. Apple Association’s request for an increase. Israel was housed in an office in the Virginia Department of Agriculture, although it remains unclear where the part-time employees will be, according to Kearns. Israel previously worked with farmers’ markets for the Virginia Department of Agriculture. She said she is currently seeking other positions and looks forward to helping her five year old prepare for kindergarten.