Programs & Projects:
Project Profiles
NYFVI Grant Helps Fast-Track New York’s Next Big Apples
New York’s next “big apple” will reach the marketplace quickly thanks to a
New York Farm Viability Institute, Inc. (NYFVI) grant that is fast tracking
grower evaluation of new apple-breeding selections from Cornell University’s
New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. Project leader,
Cornell Horticulture Professor and apple breeder Susan Brown says, “If the
expected new varieties are even half as successful as their predecessors - the
Empire, Jonagold, Macoun, and other varieties bred by Cornell, New York’s
apple producers will harvest great fruit with a tremendous economic impact.”
From 1996 to 2004, the annual production of Empire apples in the U.S. averaged
a fresh market value of $41.1 million and New York produced half of the
nation’s total Empire crop. Cornell, with one of the major apple breeding
programs in the U.S., has successfully developed the Empire and 61 other new
apple varieties over the past century.
And now, Brown says, “The New York Farm Viability grant is providing the funds
to fast track grower testing of some very promising selections under
commercial orchard conditions across the state.”
Brown says growers want high quality apples they can produce at a profit and
harvest when their other varieties are not ripening. Growers in every major
apple-growing region in New York are orchard testing selections. Each
participating producer has different soil and climate conditions and different
business interests. Together they represent the farm stand, u-pick, wholesale,
processing, juice, organic and
export sectors. “Wholesalers and exporters have different clientele from
roadside stand and u-pick operators,” Brown says, “and research indicates many
factors influence individual consumer buying, including age, income, sweet or
tart taste preference, and which apple you grew up with.”
Accelerated development of new varieties of apples is needed to meet
ever-changing consumer market demands. Brown hopes that out of the 20
different selections to be evaluated over the next two years will come two new
high quality varieties with strong market potential - one with a mild flavor,
one with some zip; both distinctive, crisp, aromatic, and with strong sales
appeal. The apples under evaluation will be tested for flavor, texture,
vitamin C content, winter hardiness, less browning when cut, storage and shelf
life, and suitability for large-scale production.
Consumer taste tests are planned. Watch for your opportunity to savor the
flavor of New York’s next big apple!
For More Info:
Susan Brown
NYS Agricultural Experiment Station
315-787-2224