LANSING, Mich. — Governor Rick Snyder recognizes the Michigan apple industry and its importance to our state’s economy in declaring October 2014 to be Pure Michigan Apple Month.
“Michigan’s apple growers work hard all year to provide us with the best-tasting apples around,” said Governor Snyder. “I encourage all Michiganders to visit a local farm market, cider mill or orchard for a Pure Michigan Apple experience.”
Michigan is the nation’s third largest producer of apples with more than 9.2 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 36,500 acres. Michigan’s apple growers take great care in contributing to one of the largest and most valuable fruit crops in the state. Growers will harvest an estimated 28.74 million bushels in 2014.
“Our state boasts 850 apple growing families who will harvest more than 28 million bushels of apples this year,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Apples are a long-held tradition in our state, and are vital to Michigan’s agriculture industry and economy. Michigan growers appreciate Governor Snyder’s recognition of the industry.”
With 18 commercially available apple varieties to choose from, there is a flavor profile for everyone. Michigan apples are available to consumers in grocery stores, cider mills, u-pick orchards and farm markets. Varietal information as well as locations of orchards and cider mills can be found on the Michigan Apple Committee’s newly redesigned website at MichiganApples.com.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit www.MichiganApples.com.
Source: The Michigan Apple Committee