The New York Apple Association said in a news release that Christopher Oakes is its chairman of the board for 2024-2025. Oakes is the president of LynOaken Farms Inc. in Medina, N.Y. LynOaken Farms sells apples to retailers and schools and is actively involved in the hard cider industry.
“It is my pleasure to take the gavel and lead the organization and industry,” said Oakes in the release.
NYAA, the nonprofit trade association, represents more than 500 commercial apple growers in the Empire State.
Oakes takes over the gavel for Doug Grout, co-owner of Golden Harvest Farms in Valatie, N.Y., who served on the NYAA board of directors for the last year and has served as president of the board for the past two years. Grout owns Golden Harvest Farms with his brothers Derek and David. The association recently recognized Grout during its annual meeting.
“I am honored the NYAA Board of Directors selected me to lead the organization and look forward to staying active in the apple industry,” said Grout.
The New York Apple Association is a nonprofit trade association representing over 500 commercial apple growers in New York State. Their mission is to increase consumer demand for New York apples through promotion, marketing and communications.
“It is my pleasure to take the gavel and lead the organization and industry,” said Oakes.
NYAA’s board of directors is comprised of 15 members and the board recently added new directors include Kenneth Bowman, Kristen DeMarree, Carrie Wafler, and Kent Schwab.
In a few weeks, New York apple harvest will begin. Harvest begins in the Hudson Valley and immediate surrounding areas about the third week of August, followed by central and western New York a week or two later, and then northeastern New York.
Oakes gave an update on the upcoming New York apple harvest, which will begin in the Hudson Valley around the third week of August, followed by central and western part of the state a few weeks later, followed by northeast orchards.
“This year, we are expecting our production to around 32,500 million bushels and maybe upward toward 32,700 million bushels,” Oakes said. “Sizing is coming along, and we expect a good range of sizes for retailers and foodservice markets like schools.”
The association said it is currently planning the upcoming fall media and retail promotional plans to help move the crop.
