U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik representing New York's 21st Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik representing New York's 21st Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has published an op-ed in Sun Community News, highlighting the significance of apple production in New York’s 21st Congressional District on U.S. agriculture.
In her article titled "Celebrating NY-21's impact on U.S. Agriculture this apple season," Stefanik expressed pride in representing a district renowned for its apple orchards. She mentioned popular locations such as Chazy Orchards and Rulfs Orchard in Clinton County, where residents enjoy various types of apples, including Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Empire apples.
"Apple production is a staple in our region and in agricultural communities across the country," Stefanik wrote. She noted that the United States produces approximately 250 million bushels of apples annually, generating over 150,000 jobs and creating $23 billion in economic output. New York alone contributes 29.5 million bushels each year due to the efforts of local farmers and growers.
Stefanik emphasized the importance of agriculture to the economy and her commitment to supporting farmers through funding for programs like the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These initiatives provide competitive research grants for specialty crops such as apples.
Highlighting food security as national security, Stefanik discussed her introduction of H.R. 683, the PASS Act, which aims to prevent foreign adversaries from purchasing U.S. agricultural land. "North Country farms should stay in the hands of our farmers," she stated.
Concluding her op-ed, Stefanik encouraged readers to visit local family farms during apple season to appreciate their contributions to national agriculture.
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