Michigan Apple Committee Hires Two Account Managers

DEWITT, Mich. – The Michigan Apple Committee has hired two Account Managers, who will facilitate the sale of Michigan apples in retail stores. Michael Bardon of Grand Ledge, Michigan and Terry Braithwaite of East Wenatchee, Washington will begin work with the committee this month.

“The timing is perfect for getting our two new account managers started as we prepare for the 2013 apple season. After not having a presence in the retail marketplace for nearly a year, the account managers will play a key role in bringing Michigan apples back in a big way,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Both Mike and Terry have a great deal of experience that will be to our advantage in what we are expecting to be a very busy year.”

Bardon has significant retail experience with large companies such as Frito-Lay and Ralston-Purina Company. Most recently, he spent 11 years working for The Coleman Company as the Eastern U.S. Sales Manager, where he was recognized as a top vendor by Meijer E Commerce.

Braithwaite has spent his entire career in the produce industry, having held positions with Super Valu, Agri-Fresh Procurement and Dole Northwest. He developed a number of innovative programs as Director of Marketing for Chelan Fresh Marketing before joining the Michigan Apple Committee.

“Like most of the growers and industry we represent, we had to make a lot of changes and budget cuts after the crop loss,” Smith said. “Now we are glad to be adding staff and investing our time and energy in preparations for 2013. Our staff is ready to hit the ground running for ‘the comeback kid’ – Michigan apples!”

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.

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CONTACT: Deb Merrill, 517-335-4576 or merrilld@michigan.gov

Michigan apple producers vote to continue marketing program

LANSING - Michigan apple producers have voted to continue the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program, according to Jamie Clover Adams, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). 

The Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program was designed to improve the economic position of Michigan apple growers by developing advertising, promotion, and publicity programs to create new markets for apples and/or apple products and to carry on market development and research.  The program was last approved in 2008, and by law, must be renewed every five years.

The program will continue for an additional five years, beginning September 1, 2013 and ending August 31, 2018. 

A total of 145 valid ballots were cast in the referendum.  To determine continuation of the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program for an additional five years, 124 producers voted yes (86 percent), representing 1,887,643.44 hundredweight of apples (88  percent) and 21 producers voted no (14 percent), representing 263,994.27 hundredweight of apples (12 percent).

For the program to be renewed or the amendment passed, more than 50 percent of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total number of bushels represented on the cast ballots, must have approved it.

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Snyder makes appointment, reappointment to Michigan Apple Committee

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Arthur Lister, of Ludington, and the reappointment of Tony Blattner, of Lowell, to the Michigan Apple Committee.

Established in 1965, the seven-member committee coordinates market development, educational activities and research for the state’s apple industry. Michigan is home to more than 800 apple growers and the industry accounts for more than $770 million annually in total economic impact.

“Michigan is the third-largest apple producing state in the nation, and I am pleased to see the expertise of these two individuals at the forefront of this important industry,” Snyder said.

Representing District 5, Lister is the owner of Lister Orchards, a 900-acre farm producing apples, tart cherries, sweet cherries, peaches, pears and plums. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Michigan State University. He will replace Scott Lewis on the committee.

Representing District 4, Blattner is the owner of Twin Bee Orchards, which farms 125 acres of apples. He also serves as director of field operations for BelleHarvest Sales. Blattner earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Michigan State University.

Appointees will serve three-year terms expiring April 1, 2016, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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U.S. Apple Association Joins Call to Address Nation’s Agriculture Labor Needs
Association Among Groups Launching New Labor Coalition

Vienna, VA – Seeking legislation that ensures America’s apple orchards, packing houses and other apple operations have access to a stable and skilled workforce, USApple today announced its leadership role in the newly formed Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC). The AWC will serve as the unified voice of agriculture on labor and agricultural employment.

The Coalition today released its framework proposal that will include both an earned adjustment in status for current experienced farm workers and a new program to ensure that producers continue to have access to a workforce as current agricultural employees move on to other jobs. A key to the framework will be ensuring that it meets the needs of all of agriculture—both those employers with seasonal labor needs and those who provide year-round employment opportunities.

The U.S. apple industry is diverse with apples being grown commercially in 36 states. The size of operations and the specific labor needs of these operations vary greatly. Large growers will typically need more than 1,000 harvest workers while smaller growers might only need five or ten. Collectively, we are a $2.5 billion industry and need over 70,000 harvest workers to get the crop off of the trees each year. The apple industry plays a major role in rural economies, with each of these harvest workers supporting two to three other employees in job like sales & marketing, administrative and transportation.

“Apple growers face a labor crisis and need immigration reform to ensure American apples are harvested each year. Each apple – over 20 billion—must be picked by hand. Apples are also a cultural icon in our national heritage,” said Nancy Foster, president & CEO of the U.S. Apple Association. “The old adage, ‘As American as apple pie,’ will be obsolete unless this labor crisis is solved because we will import our fruit and export our jobs. We look forward to being a key contributor to the Agriculture Workforce Coalition to ensure apple growers and packers as well as other agriculture operations have access to the workers they need to maintain their productivity and competitiveness.”

Additional information on the AWC can be found on its website, www.agworkforcecoalition.org.

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The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.

Engelsma’s Apple Barn Wins Annual Cider Contest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jim and Becky Engelsma of Engelsma’s Apple Barn have taken home another first place win in the 16^th annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest. The cider makers have received first place in the contest four times, in 2005, 2007, 2010 and this year.

“I am honored to represent our industry again, and recognize that there are many people that have made this win possible,” said Jim Engelsma.  “I am very proud of our industry, even on the toughest year we have ever gone through, everyone is still hard at work doing what they do best."

The cider contest had a unique feel this year, as cider makers, judges and contest organizers reflected on a difficult year for the Michigan apple industry.

“It is important to consider how different this year has been, not only for cider but the entire industry,” said Bob Tritten, organizer of the contest and Michigan State University Extension District Fruit Educator. “Next year we expect to have an abundant crop of apples, and we hope consumers will come back to cider mills.”

Other honors in the 2012 cider contest went to Mary Emmett of Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill in Plymouth, Michigan, who took home second place. Third place went to Jim and Michelle Goldstein of Hy’s Cider Mill in Romeo, Michigan.

“Michigan’s cider makers put a lot of hard work into their cider,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, co-sponsor of the contest. “Most of them grow the apples and work for years on just the right mix of varieties. The contestants take this competition very seriously. We are proud that Michigan can boast so many delicious ciders.”

Tritten began the Michigan Apple Cider Contest in 1996 to improve cider making, promote the industry and educate the public.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.

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Heeren Crowned 2013 Michigan Apple Queen

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Courtney Heeren of Grand Rapids has been crowned the 2013 Michigan Apple Queen. Kate Sage of Eau Claire is First Runner-Up. Contestants for Michigan Apple Queen must have a connection to the Michigan Apple industry in order to serve as its ambassador.

Heeren, 20, is the daughter of Dan and Jill Heeren and is a student at Central Michigan University studying special education.

“It is a special honor for these young ladies to be selected to represent the Michigan Apple industry,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Courtney will serve all year as an ambassador at schools, parades, festivals, grocery store events and more.”

Heeren will spend the next year attending different events and festivals as the face of the Michigan Apple industry. She will also travel to schools throughout Michigan teaching students about apples.

Sage, 19, is the daughter of Grant and Lynne Sage. She is a student at Southwestern Michigan College where she is working toward an associate degree in science.

The contest took place on December 5 at the 10^th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon. It marks the 62^nd year of the competition that awards an apple representative based on poise, beauty, apple knowledge and public speaking ability.

Queen contestants must be between 17 and 23 years of age and have a link to the Michigan Apple industry. The Michigan Apple Committee sponsors the annual event. The winners receive a modest scholarship.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.

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Apple growers looking forward to “well-rested” trees
Michigan growers planning for 2013 apple season

DEWITT, Mich. – Michigan’s apple trees have the potential to produce a large crop for the 2013 season after an unexpected “rest” period due to the significant crop loss of 2012. After historic weather events in late winter and spring destroyed close to 90% of the state’s apple crop, orchards could see an increase in blooms and fruit production for the coming season. 

“After bloom, apple trees begin initiating fruit and shoot buds for the following year’s crop. While fruit is growing on the tree, buds for the following crop are already growing. This year, with so many trees not producing fruit, the nutrients absorbed by the trees can be allocated to the developing buds - especially those that have the potential to produce fruit.  Their emergence next year will hopefully provide growers with a sizeable crop,” said Amy Irish Brown, an Extension Educator with Michigan State University.

Fruit trees have a normal “balancing act” in which nutrients, photosynthates and other resources are allocated to the fruits, buds and leaves on the tree. A tree that has produced fewer fruits will be able devote more nutrients to the developing buds.

“Apple trees are pretty hearty and we’re not hearing anything of permanent damage due to the weather this spring,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.  “We’re going to have well-rested trees, and generally when you have a well-rested tree it really performs the next year.  Barring any weather conditions we could definitely come into next year with a record setting crop.”

Michigan’s apple growers will be hoping for more “normal” weather conditions in 2013 to help foster more blooms. In addition, growers have been working to maintain their apple trees with their usual fertilizing, pruning and pest and disease management practices throughout the summer.

“Our apple growers are working hard to maintain their orchards and prepare for a successful 2013,” said Smith. “We are keeping our fingers crossed for rain and good growing conditions throughout the coming year.”

Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.  For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.

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Michigan Apple Crop Suffers Significant Losses
Extreme Spring Weather Reduces Crop by 90%

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan apple industry suffered huge crop losses stemming from historic weather events in late winter and spring, the Michigan Apple Committee announced today. An early heat wave followed by a cold, frost-filled spring resulted in the largest apple crop loss since the 1940s. Growers, shippers, and other experts from across the state predict a crop size of about 3 million bushels, a significant loss compared to the average crop size of 20-23 million bushels.

In May, Governor Rick Snyder officially requested disaster assistance for Michigan’s fruit growers from the United States Department of Agriculture. In addition, on June 26 he signed a bill supporting a low-interest loan program for farmers whose crops have been lost.

“This is the worst natural disaster to strike Michigan’s agricultural industry in more than 50 years,” Snyder said. “Agriculture is a key component of our economy, and these loans will help keep our fruit farmers afloat until next season.”

Annually, the apple industry contributes $700 - $900 million to the state’s economy. However the complete financial implications will be hard to measure.

“From the growers to the shippers, retailers, laborers and consumers, the effect of this year’s crop loss will be widespread,” said Diane Smith, interim executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “No one can put a full value on the loss at this point – it will have an impact on Michigan’s entire agriculture industry and beyond. Our job is to support Michigan’s apple growers and the apple industry as they move forward through this difficult season."

Some areas of the state were hit harder than others, and in some cases growers suffered more loss than neighboring farms.

“The impact of these rare weather conditions was ‘hit-or-miss’ in many cases,” said Smith. “We have heard reports of some growers with nearly a full crop of apples, and some who have nothing.”

The historic heat wave Michigan experienced in March brought apple blossoms out early. When the weather cooled back down and orchards experienced frosts and freezes, growers and industry experts knew they were in for a difficult season.

“This spring, farmers used frost fans, orchard heaters and helicopters to battle the extreme weather conditions’ affect on the orchards. While the efforts may have saved some of the crop, we are hearing about significant loss from most areas of the state,” said Scott Lewis, chair of the Michigan Apple Committee and a New Era, Michigan apple grower.

While significant crop loss has been predicted for a few months, it wasn’t until trees started to produce fruit, followed by the natural thinning phenomenon known as “June drop” that allowed growers, shippers and other industry officials to make accurate predictions about the crop size.

“It was important to collect data and anecdotal information from growers, shippers, horticulturists and other experts from around the state, so we could provide the most accurate prediction,” said Smith.

As the marketing board for Michigan apples, the Michigan Apple Committee will continue its work to promote, educate and conduct research about Michigan apples.

“Though the crop will be small, our Michigan Apple Committee will continue to communicate with consumers about Michigan apples and buying local. In addition, we will do everything we can to help growers through this difficult season while looking ahead to 2013,” said Lewis.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.  For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.

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Winners of the Michigan Apple Committee’s School Sweepstakes announced

(DeWitt, Mich.) – Three Michigan schools received a total of $9,000 in cash prizes from the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) for participating in its annual Michigan Apple School Sweepstakes – an initiative to support Michigan Apple growers while encouraging healthy eating habits in children.  

According to MAC Interim Executive Director, Diane Smith, the Sweepstakes provides students with an opportunity to learn about the importance of eating and buying healthy, locally grown apples.

“It’s easy for parents to incorporate fresh Michigan Apples into a child’s daily life – apple juice with breakfast, an apple with lunch, or applesauce as an afternoon snack,” said Smith. 

Accredited K-12 schools in Michigan were eligible to compete in the school sweepstakes by collecting either proofs of purchase from the bags of Michigan-grown apples, or by creating small cards with drawings of Michigan Apples.

This year’s winners, chosen in a random computerized drawing, are:

Grand Prize (Receiving $5,000):

• St. Stephen School of Saginaw, Mich.

1^st Place (Receiving $3,000):

• Lake Area Christian School of Sturgis, Mich.

2^nd Place (Receiving $1,000):

• Bentley Elementary School of Canton, Mich.

This year 23 schools participated in the MAC-sponsored program, collecting approximately 46,500 entries.  For each proof of purchase collected and/or apple card created, the name of the school is entered into the drawing.  The prizes were chosen by a random computer selection.  

Michigan is the third-largest apple-producing state in the United States.  The industry annually contributes an estimated $800 million worth of economic impact on the state. 

Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.  For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.

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Governor makes appointments to Michigan Apple Committee

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Robert Gregory, of Leland, and Mark Youngquist, of Kent City, to the Michigan Apple Committee.

Established in 1965, the committee’s seven members develop and implement marketing programs and educational activities on behalf of more than 900 family apple growers.

“Agriculture is a vital part of Michigan’s economy and our heritage,” said Snyder. “I am pleased to appoint Robert and Mark and look forward to their work of promoting Michigan’s apple industry.”

Gregory is co-owner and co-manager of the 2,600-acre Cherry Bay Orchards Inc. in Suttons Bay, where he cultivates 320 acres of apples. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Gregory will represent District 6 and replaces Brian Putney.

Youngquist brings more than 30 years of experience as an apple farmer to the committee. He is the fifth-generation of his family to own and operate their farm, Mark W. Youngquist Farm, where he tends to 320 acres of crops, including 180 acres of apples. Youngquist will represent District 3 and replaces Alvin Dietrich.

Appointees will serve three-year terms that expire April 1, 2015, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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