Can saucy tactics give an edge to an American apple industry that’s been growing since the days of the pilgrims?
A federal proposal would try to cut into the hot hybrid market in apples that has sweetened the Canadian market by 800 percent and seeks to put American growers years ahead of the growing global market. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, said Thursday that his proposal would provide $20 million for apple farmers to switch to new varieties, such as Honeycrisp, that Canadian growers are already selling at eight times the price of traditional apples, such as McIntosh.
The grants and low-interest loans from the Agriculture Department would help pay for the new plantings in November and the loss of revenue during the three years of growth needed before the new variety can be picked.
Associated Press
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