2007-04-24 18:05:17 -
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania apple growers have voted to renew a producer-funded program that's designed to grow the state's apple industry through a combination of marketing, education and research efforts.
"The apple industry is a key element of Pennsylvania agriculture, contributing nearly $60 million to the economy," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff, who signed the referendum. "Our apple industry ranks fourth nationally for apple production. By securing this marketing and research program, we can build on that strength and further promote Pennsylvania produce. We
will also be able to continue educating consumers about the importance of good nutrition."
The Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program is part of the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act that was established in 1968, which was developed to help growers market their products.
The program requires that growers with more than 500 apple trees, equal to approximately five acres, contribute 15 cents per each bushel of fresh apples and eight cents per hundredweight for processing fruit. There are currently 252 members in the program.
The funds support the Apple Marketing Board, which develops promotions for retail stores, tailoring efforts to each retailer's needs through product sampling and merchandising. The board also works with educators to stress the importance of healthy eating.
The most popular promotion effort is the annual Processed Apple Show-Off display contest. The statewide contest allows processors to create displays that promote processed apple products in retail stores.
Of the more than 500 million pounds of apples grown in the state, one quarter is sold fresh and the remaining three-quarters are sold for processing products like juices and sauces.
For more information on the referendum or the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program, contact Frank Jurbala at 717-783-8462 or fjurbala@state.pa.us.
CONTACT: Kristi L. Rooker
(717) 787-5085
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
