Broadening Membership In USApple
November 1, 2008 Did you have enough workers to pick the recent harvest? Will you next year? How could proposed food safety regulations affect your business? Will apples continue to grow in popularity with the increasingly diverse American consumer? How will you respond to an industry-wide crisis that could threaten consumer confidence? What effect could new trade policies have on U.S. apple growers and processors?
The U.S. Apple Association works to ensure profitable business operations among the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. apple industry. We are continually educating Congress, consumers, retailers, the medical community, and the media about the industry and the important role apples play in our diets, in American agriculture, and more — providing a valuable insurance policy to protect our industry from harmful regulations and publicity. With a new President and new Congress, there are important challenges ahead.
USApple membership is the best investment you can make in your business in the coming year. Here are a few reasons why:
• Labor Reform: Labor shortages and complex and costly labor reform regulations could greatly reduce harvests this year and beyond. USApple is the apple industry’s voice in Congress — and it’s getting louder every day.
• Food Safety Rules: Congress may add new mandatory food safety laws next year that affect every apple grower. USApple supports food safety rules and guidelines that are risk-based and reflect sound science; those which are prudent, practical, and fair, and that allow your business the flexibility to incorporate meaningful food safety practices while maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. producers.
• Growing Sales: USApple helps to drive demand for your apples and apple products by promoting the great taste and health benefits that come from eating apples. We have actively supported federal programs such as WIC, the School Lunch Program, and Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program because these programs present a dynamic market for the apple industry.
• Farm Bill: USApple was extremely instrumental in the passage of an historic new Farm Bill from the U.S. Congress that, for the first time, addresses the significance of specialty crops and provides opportunities to grow your business with new programs to reduce costs, expand marketing, and increase consumption.
• Expanding Exports: USApple supports the growth of exports with a trade policy that promotes greater market access through reductions in foreign import duties and non-tariff trade barriers. This includes expansion of the Market Access Program (MAP) and full funding for USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
Key Industry Resource
As you may know, USApple is the single best source of timely and commercially valuable information about U.S. and world apple trends and markets. Our monthly Apple News keeps you informed about important legislation and regulations, new research, and consumer trends that affect your business. Our Market News movement and storage reports keep you apprised of apple industry operations across the country. Our Apple-a-Day eNewsletter reaches health, nutrition, and education professionals worldwide. And our association’s annual Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference offers you breakthrough crop data, critical and timely industry information, and networking opportunities not available anywhere else.
USApple is committed to ensuring the strength of the apple industry by addressing critical industry issues on your behalf and providing you with the information and resources you need to grow your business and remain competitive.
USApple is further enhancing its position as the one true national voice of the American apple industry. Please contact me at 800-781-4443 or [email protected] should you have any questions or comments concerning membership in the U.S. Apple Association.
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