Schumer: Federal money would help US apple growers get in on hot new varieties faster
By APThursday, May 6, 2010
Schumer: Feds could help update US apple crop
ALBANY, N.Y. — Sen. Charles Schumer of New York wants the federal government to help apple farmers nationwide quickly convert some acres of trees growing traditional varieties to hot new hybrids.
Schumer says his bill would provide $20 million for apple farmers to switch to new varieties that Canadian growers are already supplying at eight times the price of traditional apples.
The grants and low-cost loans through the Agriculture Department would help pay for new plantings in November and lost revenue during the three years of growth needed before the new variety can be picked.
He says Thursday the measure will help apple growers from Washington state to New York compete with Canada and China.
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