Q1 2025
Q1 2025 |
01/06
Capitol Hill Day 2025
More than 90 apple leaders from 14 states gathered in Washington, D.C., for USApple’s annual Capitol Hill Day, meeting with more than 100 members of Congress and Administration officials.
Guest speaker Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) addressed attendees, acknowledging growers’ labor challenges and highlighting Congressional efforts to support specialty crops. On the Hill, attendees advocated for ag labor reform, Farm Bill specialty crop programs, and fair trade policies. USApple officers and the Government Affairs Committee also met with two Trump Administration officials, including newly-appointed Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, and Riley Pagett, USDA chief of staff for international trade.
Lastly, the USApple Political Action Committee (PAC) held a reception to support Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA), a leading voice for agriculture on labor and trade. For more pictures and social media posts about the event please click here.
The Washington Delegation meets with Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA).
Senator Slotkin (D-MI) chats with attendees after her breakfast speech.
USApple president and Officers meet with Riley Pagett of USDA (left).
Q1 2025 |
02/06
USApple Core Health Campaign: Promoting Apples’ Wellness Benefits
In February, USApple launched its second annual “Core Health” social media campaign, spotlighting the numerous health benefits of eating apples. Building on last year’s success, the campaign generates strong engagement and positive feedback.
This year, the visuals focused on people enjoying apples in various real-life settings, each tied to a specific health benefit. By leveraging the power of “infotainment” and the appeal of relatable faces, the campaign effectively captured attention and delivered key wellness messages to a broad audience.
- Video 1 – Brain
- Video 2 – Heart
- Video 3 – Cholesterol
- Video 4 – Blood Sugar
- Video 5 – Cancer
- Video 6 – Gut Health
- Video 7 – Whole Body
Q1 2025 |
03/06
USApple Data Expert Shares Insights Across Industry
Chris Gerlach, USApple’s Vice President of Insights and Analytics, presented at several prominent industry conferences, offering valuable analyses on apple production, movement, trade, and emerging challenges and opportunities.
Drawing from USApple’s comprehensive data resources, Gerlach’s presentations highlighted critical trends and projections designed to help industry stakeholders navigate the evolving apple marketplace.
- Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Expo in Hershey, PA
- International Fruit Tree Association’s 2025 Annual Conference in Rochester, NY
- CiderCon 2025 in Chicago, IL
Chris presenting at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Expo.
Chris presenting at CiderCon.
Chris presents "Trends in North American Apple Production" to IFTA attendees.
Q1 2025 |
04/06
Building Relationships with the 119th Congress
USApple staff have been actively engaging with Members of Congress—both re-elected and newly elected—as part of the new Congress sworn in on January 3rd. From face-to-face meetings in congressional offices to strategic touchpoints at various D.C. events, we are working diligently to keep relationships strong and ensure apples and our industry’s priorities remain top of mind.
USApple President & CEO Jim Bair met with U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) at the residence of Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. during a celebration honoring Japan’s Emperor’s birthday.
USApple Senior Vice President Diane Kurrle (R) and Michigan Apple Committee Executive Director Diane Smith met with Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI).
Diane participated in a business coalition meeting with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s staff, later visiting the Speaker’s Capitol balcony.
Q1 2025 |
05/06
2025 NextGen Apple Fellowship
In January, we announced the 2025 Class of NextGen Apple Fellows:
- Julieta Castillo, Marketing Coordinator, Superfresh Growers, WA
- Zachary Cohen, Sales, Cohen Produce Marketing, PA
- William Gant, Production Coordinator, CMI Orchards, LLC, WA
- Theresa Kober, Food Safety Manager, Riveridge Produce Marketing, Inc, MI
- Tyler Mooney, Planning & Analytics Manager, Stemilt Growers, LLC, WA
- Shelbi Perkins, Key Account Manager PNW, BeeHero, WA
- Marshall Saunders, Sales, Saunders Brothers Inc., VA
With the help of the USApple NextGen Advisory Committee, chaired by USApple Board member Liz Pauls, each fellow went through an extensive application and interview process. We received many highly qualified candidates this year. The class kicked off their program in Washington D.C. for Capitol Hill Day. We also introduced each fellow on our Instagram.
Fellows from WA on Capitol Hill Day.
Fellows with Keith Blackman who facilitated Media Training.
Q1 2025 |
06/06
USApple Submits Comments on Carbaryl Use
USApple submitted comments in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) draft biological opinion for carbaryl. USApple detailed how carbaryl is very important for insect pest control and as a growth regulator particularly for the purpose of chemical thinning for apple orchards.
