Right To The Core: USApple’s Young Apple Leaders Join Forces On Capitol Hill

jessa-allen-usappleEighteen young people from nine states were selected to participate in USApple’s 2014 Young Apple Leader Program. They joined forces with apple leaders from coast-to-coast for USApple’s Capitol Hill Day, an annual event hosted by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple). They brought a unified message to Capitol Hill: pass immigration reform — our business is depending on it.

The apple industry is heavily dependent on migrant labor, H-2A, and H-2B workers to grow, harvest, pack, and process apples and apple products. For a perishable crop like apples, a delay in the arrival of harvest workers can impact the quality and value of the fruit. These young growers emphasized the economic impact they have on the local community and the jobs that harvest workers support. Securing a legal, stable, and reliable workforce will continue to be USApple’s top legislative priority.

These young men and women brought a contagious passion and enthusiasm for the industry that had an impact on their peers, industry leaders and congressional staff. They also gained an understanding of how federal, regulatory and legislative issues directly affect their apple businesses.

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In its fifth year, the goal of USApple’s Young Apple Leader Program is to mentor the next generation of American apple growers and leaders. Apple growers who are at the start of their career through approximately age 35 are eligible to participate. Young growers also involved in apple packing, shipping, sales, and marketing are encouraged to join the program. Each class of Young Apple Leaders includes members from diverse apple-producing states. This year’s group represented the states of Connecticut, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The program provides orientation, understanding and encouragement on public policy issues affecting the apple business. It is designed to foster fellowship and cooperative working relationships across U.S. apple growing regions through discussions about key apple industry issues, trends, research, and other activities. Importantly, it also identifies and develops future leaders for the apple industry. These young people will be the future decision-makers in their businesses and, communities, and at USApple.

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If you are interested in becoming a Young Apple Leader, or know someone who would be a strong candidate, applications for the 2015 Class of Young Apple Leaders will be available in October.

The 2014 Class of Young Apple Leaders pose front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, (from left) Glaize, Wittenbach, Burnham, Lott, Lerew, Brumback Liskey, Heinicke, Guzman, Hirsch, Holmberg, Poush, Alpers, Ferguson, Hardy, Johnston, Rudolph, and Rasch. Not pictured is Albinder. (Photo credit: U.S. Apple Association)

The 2014 Class of Young Apple Leaders pose front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, (from left) Glaize, Wittenbach, Burnham, Lott, Lerew, Brumback Liskey, Heinicke, Guzman, Hirsch, Holmberg, Poush, Alpers, Ferguson, Hardy, Johnston, Rudolph, and Rasch. Not pictured is Albinder. (Photo credit: U.S. Apple Association)

Congratulations To The 2014 Class Of Young Apple Leaders:

    • Alisha Albinder, Hudson River Fruit Distributors, Milton, NY
    • Chris Alpers, RedPath Orchards & Alpers Farms, Lake Leelanau, MI
    • Greta Brumback Liskey, Woodbine Farms, Inc., Winchester, VA
    • Joe Burnham IV, Burnham Orchards, Inc., Berlin Heights, OH
    • Andy Ferguson, Ferguson’s Orchards, Eau Claire, WI
    • Philip Glaize, Glaize Apples, Winchester, VA
    • Reba Guzman, Guzman Orchards/Gebbers Farm, Brewster, WA
    • Josh Heinicke, Columbia Fruit Packers, East Wenatchee, WA
    • Mike Hirsch, Hirsch Fruit Farm, Chillicothe, OH
    • Russell Holmberg, Holmberg Orchards, Gales Ferry, CT
    • Steve Johnston, Apple Castle, LLC, New Wilmington, PA
    • Ben Lerew, Lerew Brothers Orchards, Inc., York Springs, PA
    • Abby Lott, Bear Mountain Orchards, Inc., Aspers, PA
    • Adam Poush, Cider Works Farms, Orondo, WA
    • Jordan Rasch, Green Tree Orchards, LLC, Conklin, MI
    • Lindsay Rudolph, Rudolph Orchards, Inc., Peshastin, WA
    • Elizabeth Wittenbach, Wittenbach Orchards, Belding, MI

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