Combined message from George Hamilton (UNH Extension) and Cornell Cooperative Extension:

Risk Management Agency has contracted a private company to make changes to the USDA Apple policy (Apple Crop Insurance Policy). This policy has worked very well for our growers. The fresh fruit quality option component of the policy alone has been an enormous benefit for New England growers.

After reviewing the number of policies in this region, the private company has decided to conduct an Apple Insurance Listening Session for New England Orchardists. It is important that apple orchardists attend this session to express the importance of the fresh fruit quality option component of the policy and the importance of the Apple Crop Insurance Policy to orchardists in New England. We invite you to attend and help in getting orchardists to this listening session.

Friday March 30, 2018 Hillsborough County New Hampshire

UNH Cooperative Extension – Hillsborough County 329 Mast Road Goffstown, NH 03045 Tel: 603-641-6060 Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm

Other meetings in New York include:

Wednesday March 21 Monroe County	Irondequoit Public Library 1290 Titus Ave. Rochester, NY 14617 Tel: 585-336-6060 Time: 1:30 -3.30 pm
Friday March 23 Ulster County	Hudson Valley Research Lab 3357 US Hwy 9W Highland, NY 12528 Tel: 845-691-7151 Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am

If anyone would like an individual meeting, Agralytica staff will be available at the above locations. To arrange a time, contact Tom Earley by cell at 703-981-6004 or by email at tearley. Alternatively, anyone who cannot attend can submit e-mailed comments. Please us “Apple policy” as your subject line.

This is an opportunity for orchardists to communicate concerns and possible improvements for consideration in the development of future apple crop insurance policy.

Announcement of Apple Insurance Listening Sessions – New England.docx