Patrick-Murray Administration Welcomes a Bountiful Apple Crop to the Bay State

BOSTON- State agricultural officials participated in the Massachusetts Apple Festival in Boston today, celebrating what is expected to be an abundant apple crop this year.

While the cool, wet weather earlier this summer hurt many other crops, it has made for a superb apple harvest, with apples that are bigger and more robust in color. The Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR.) urges Massachusetts citizens to support the apple growers of the Bay State by visiting a local orchard, farm stand or farmers market to stock up on their favorite apple variety.

“Apple picking is a Massachusetts tradition that has spanned generations, and is a major contributor to direct agricultural sales and the agricultural economy in Massachusetts,” said DAR Commissioner Scott Soares.

There are about 90 apple orchards in the Commonwealth where people can enjoy apple picking and other family fun such as fresh cider, fresh baked pies and dumplings, hayrides, face painting, festivals and other agri-tourism activities.

In addition to being delicious, all apple varieties from Red Delicious, Gala and Honeycrisp to Braeburn, Jonagold and Fuji, are nutritious choices. According to the United States Apple Association, apples contain no fat, saturated fat, cholesterol or sodium. Apples are also an excellent source of fiber, natural plant-based anti-oxidants, and the mineral boron, which promotes healthy bones.

Massachusetts apple facts:

More than 40 percent of apple growers market their apples directly to consumers through roadside farm stands, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own operations.
There are approximately 369 apple farms in Massachusetts.
The value of the Massachusetts apple crop in 2008 was over $19.8 million.
Massachusetts ranks 12th nationally for the production of apples.

Purchasing Massachusetts-grown apples is an ideal way to celebrate the autumn harvest and support local farmers at the same time. For a list of Massachusetts apple orchards, pick-your-own apple farms, and farmers’ markets and roadside produce stands, visit www.mass.gov/massgrown and for additional information on apples and orchards in Massachusetts visit www.newenglandapples.org.

The DAR’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability of local agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop and Pest Services, and Technical Assistance – the DAR strives to support, regulate, and enhance the Commonwealth’s agricultural community, working to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production.