USApple Joins Ag Groups, Calls for State Department to Expedite Ag Worker Visas

USApple, National Apple Industry Appeal for CFAP Funding; USDA Analysis Flawed, Says Groups

June 16, 2020 (Falls Church, Va.)—The U.S. Apple Association, joined by apple organizations across the nation, today urged the Agriculture Department to reconsider growers for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) funding. According to the groups, USDA’s analysis that determined apple prices and grower eligibility is fatally flawed and does not match the reality of what … Continued

Rice Fruit Co: Behind the Scenes of Apple Businesses During COVID-19

When COVID-19 hit south-central Pennsylvania in mid-March, it became clear that daily operations at Rice Fruit Company needed to change immediately and drastically to adapt to their status as an essential business. As the vice president of sales and marketing, Brenda Briggs helped the more than 100-year-old family-run business act quickly to keep employees safe … Continued

2020 Young Apple Leaders: Ben Boyer

Young Apple Leader Ben Boyer of Boyer Orchards in New Paris, Pa. believes he was born to be an apple grower. From building new orchard systems and hosting the annual farmers market to trimming, hand thinning and picking, Boyer enjoys every aspect of the apple growing life.  “My grandpa started the orchard in 1957, and … Continued

Growers Urge Sec. Perdue to Consider Tree Fruit in CARES ACT Funding; USApple Launches COVID-19 Resource Site

Falls Church, Va. (April 13, 2020)—In an effort led by the U.S. Apple Association and Northwest Horticultural Council, tree fruit organizations are urging Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to consider the unique circumstances of growers during allocation of CARES Act funding. A letter sent to Sec. Perdue by a coalition of national, state and regional tree … Continued

2020 Young Apple Leaders: Rob Verbridge

Rob Verbridge of J.H. Verbridge & Son Inc. is a fifth-generation apple grower. His family’s farm was founded more than 120 years ago, making this Young Apple Leader a natural successor to his family’s apple-growing legacy. Though Verbridge has been following in his father’s footsteps around the family orchard for as long as he can … Continued

Apple Tree Insurance Program Video

A video on the new apple tree crop insurance policy is now available below. The video was produced by the AgriLogic consulting group, who worked with USApple on the development of the policy. It provides an overview of the new policy, coverages and basic terms and conditions. Apple Tree Overview from AgriLogic Consulting on Vimeo.

Agriculture Workforce Coalition’s 3/17/20 Letter

The following is a letter from the Agriculture Workforce Coalition on behalf of numerous agricultural councils and associations regarding the suspension of regular visa processing due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. March 17, 2020 The Honorable Mike Pompeo Secretary U.S. Department of State 2201 C St NW, Washington, DC 20520  Dear Secretary Pompeo:  We are writing to express deep concern … Continued