The Fruit Growers News


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New York Congratulates Michigan Apple Growers


I apologize for not sending my congratulations to the Michigan apple industry, specifically the growers for the passage of your referendum. I have been outspoken in the past about all the reasons why Michigan growers should support their apple marketing order as well as support the increased dues to the U.S. Apple Association (USApple), and I should have been quicker with my praise of your actions. As all faithful EIB Rush listeners would say, “KUDOS” for an overwhelming endorsement by the “taxpayers” for your apple programs in Michigan. My sincerest compliments to all that worked very hard to communicate to apple growers the values and the benefits that you receive and the return on your investment. Well done! To the Michigan growers, I say thank you for your support of not only your state’s programs, but for your commitment to support our national issues through USApple. It is almost a cliché by now, but “now more than ever, your commitment is vital for our entire industry.” To the Michigan shippers and exporters, thank you for your support and your acknowledgement of the goals of the USApple Export Council to provide a mechanism for our states to work together to increase apple exports. To Patrick, Jan and Ken as well as all of the staff at the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC), this strong and positive vote should clearly be accepted as a huge vote of confidence from your industry for the fine job you folks are doing. You all worked very hard and should be proud of your success. Last but not least, appreciation should be extended to USApple’s CEO Nancy Foster for her undaunted efforts put forward to help communicate to the Michigan growers. Nancy, at the time, new to her position, showed no hesitancy to do what she could do to help raise the awareness of the importance of MAC and USApple. The Michigan apple industry should be proud of their success and also be assured that this strong show of support got the attention of the U.S. apple industry, as well as the envy of many of us. Your challenges and struggles ahead, will be better met and dealt with now because of your unprecedented grower support. We should all hope that, now the rest of the apple industry will follow your lead. Best of luck,

Jim Allen New York Apple Association