Washington, D.C. - In case you missed it, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik published an op-ed in Sun Community News celebrating the impact apple production in New York’s 21st Congressional District has on U.S. agriculture.
Celebrating NY-21's impact on U.S. Agriculture this apple season
By Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
“I’m proud to represent New York’s 21st Congressional District which is home to some of the most incredible apple orchards in the country. Thousands of Upstate New York and North Country residents flock to places like Chazy Orchards and Rulfs Orchard in Clinton County to enjoy delicious apples created and cultivated in our communities including Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Empire apples each season.
Apple production is a staple in our region and in agricultural communities across the country. The United States produces approximately 250 million bushels of apples each year, generating over 150,000 jobs and creating 23 billion dollars in economic output. The Empire State alone produces 29.5 million bushels of apples each year thanks to our incredible farmers and apple growers who work tirelessly not only to spur our local economy but to export high-quality products to the rest of the United States and throughout the world.
Agriculture is truly the backbone of our economy which is why standing up for our hardworking farmers and ranchers and their teams has always been one of my top priorities in Congress. I have fought for funding for critical programs such as the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These programs award competitive research grants for specialty crops like apples to help stimulate essential research and development for our apple growers who help feed millions of Americans.
These apples are found in millions of homes across America and we rely on their production to provide our loved ones with essential nutrients. I have always said that food security is national security, which is why I introduced H.R. 683, the PASS Act, to prohibit foreign adversaries like Communist China from purchasing U.S. agricultural land. North Country farms should stay in the hands of our farmers. These bills would ensure our precious agricultural lands remain in the possession of American citizens and keep U.S. food production safe from our enemies.
Apple season is a time to appreciate the significant impact Upstate New York and the North Country make to our nation’s agriculture community. This fall, I urge you to visit one of our incredible family farms and choose from a wide array of apples grown in our region.”
