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The New England Apple Association (NEAA), a venerable institution supporting apple growers across the New England states, will be closing its doors at the end of this fiscal year on June 30, 2024. This announcement, delivered by the NEAA's Executive Director, Russell Steven Powell, marks the end of an 89-year legacy dedicated to promoting and supporting the region's apple industry. Hear Powell on Episode 245 present Apples of New England to the Amherst Historical society: a companion YouTube video of this informative presentation
The History of New England Apple Association
The NEAA, originally established in 1935 as the New York and New England Apple Institute, has played a pivotal role in the apple industry. The organization has evolved through the decades, reflecting changes in the industry and market dynamics. It became the Northeast Macintosh Growers Association in 1993 after New York established its own marketing organization and was eventually renamed the New England Apple Association.
Contributions and Challenges
Under the leadership of Russell Steven Powell, who has served as the Executive Director since 1997, the NEAA has been instrumental in various advocacy efforts, marketing campaigns, and educational initiatives aimed at supporting New England apple growers. Powell, an author of two acclaimed books on apples, "America's Apple" and "Apples of New England," has been a prominent figure in the organization, driving its mission forward.
Russell Stevens Powell
Despite its contributions, the NEAA has faced significant challenges in recent years. Changes in the New England apple industry, a shift from wholesale markets to retail orchards, and the rise of diversified attractions such as pick-your-own, bakeries, and tasting rooms have impacted the organization's traditional business model. This shift, while beneficial for many orchards, appears to have presented a challenge for the NEAA, ultimately leading to the decision to close.
The Impact and Future of Apples in New England
The closure of the NEAA is a significant loss for the New England apple community. The association has been a valuable resource for apple growers and enthusiasts, providing information on apple varieties, orchard locations, and industry developments. The NEAA's contributions to the agricultural heritage of New England will be remembered fondly.
As we reflect on this bittersweet moment, it is crucial to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of individuals like Russell Stevens Powell and the many volunteers who have supported the NEAA over the years. Their efforts have left an indelible mark on the apple industry in New England.
Supporting Local Agriculture
The closure of the NEAA underscores the importance of supporting local agricultural organizations and initiatives. As Al Sax, who joins Cider Chat Host Ria Windcaller in this episode and is a lifelong champion of apple cider making and education, highlights in this episode, the sustainability of local agriculture depends on active participation and support from the community. Organizations like the American Cider Association, state-level cider guilds, and other regional agricultural groups play a vital role in promoting and preserving our agricultural heritage.
Vote With Your Dollars
Al discussed how he makes his money count by, "voting with your dollars." This philosophy underscores the importance of using our financial choices to support the organizations and causes we believe in. By purchasing memberships, donating, and buying products from local orchards and agricultural associations, we can directly impact their sustainability and success. Al practices what he preaches, supporting CiderChat and other agricultural initiatives that align with his passion for apples and cider. His commitment serves as a reminder that our spending habits can make a meaningful difference in preserving and promoting the agricultural heritage and local businesses we cherish.
Contact Emails for the New England Apple Association
Mentions in this Cider Chat
Brian Wing of Green Bench Mead and Cider is a classical music fan. Green Bench is located in Saint Petersburg, Florida and Brian was recently on episode 398 which is a must listen. Usually, we wait a bit here at Cider Chat Central to have a guest back on, but when a delivery of cider arrived from Brian, with 4 select bottles, the opportunity arose once again have a chat.
Single Varietals to Bach Chamber BlendsViolinist Jascha Heifetz is featured via the link below
Album cover for Jascha Heifetz which features Bach Chaconne d-Moll aus der Partita Nr. 2Exploring Cider Hybrids and Co-ferments as recored at a panel discussion at CiderCon 2024. The terminology for this category is still developing, reflecting the innovative and experimental nature of these beverages. As producers continue to explore and create unique blends and co-ferments, the language will evolve to better capture the diversity and creativity inherent in these new cider expressions.
In this episode of Cider ChatDelve into the innovative and creative world of cider hybrids and co-ferments with a panel of expert cider makers from around the globe to discuss the nuances, challenges, and joys of creating these unique beverages.
The discussion opens with a brief introduction to the panelists:
Explore the benefits of B Corp certification with leaders from solar, candle, coffee, and cider industries. Learn about their challenges and successes in creating positive social and environmental impact.
In this Cider ChatEnjoy this informative panel discussion led by Bridget Sprague of Revision Energy with Ted Barber of Prosperity Candle, Beth Spong of Dean's Beans Organic Coffee and Kat Hand of Berkshire Cider Project.
Listen as they share their experiences, challenges, and successes in becoming and maintaining B Corp certified. The conversation highlights the value of this business model in creating positive social and environmental impact through business.
Feature with B Corps begins at (10:04 minutes)
This panel discussion on Ancestral Method was moderate by Nicole Leibon of LeNosse Knows consultation. She was joined by Yann Gilles, a French cider consultant, Levi Danielson of Oregon's RAW cider and David Carr of California's Raging Cider. This feature was was recorded at CiderCon 2024, the annual trade conference hosted by the American Cider Association.
(ltor) Nicole LeGrand Liebon, Yann Gilles, Levi Danielson, Dave Carr
The discussion centers around various aspects of cider production, specifically highlighting traditional cider-making methods like the "ancestral method.
Topics discuss on this panel
Enjoy this detailed exploration highlights both the science and the art behind cider making, from orchard management to bottling and consumer satisfaction.
Contact info for Ancestral Methods Panel
Mentions in this Cider Chat
Cider Bon Vivant Reporter Al Sax provide a cider dispatch report from Monterey Virginia. This area of Virginia is known as Highland County and it is here that Big Fish Cider is located. One of the cool extras (beside cider) when visiting this region, is that it is a Dark Sky area. This means good star grazing due to the lack of night lights drowning out the night sky.
Al interviews Big Fish Cider Maker and Owner Kirk Billingsley. Kirk was last on Cider Chat in Episode 124. That recording took place in 2018 at CiderCon the annual trade conference for the American Cider Association
Ria with Big Fish pulled chilled from the stream Changes at Big Fish from 2018 -2024If you enjoy sharing your love of cider and also have a knack for conversation? Why not share some of your local cider hot spots and interview a favored maker.
Cider Chat is looking for 20-25 minute cider dispatches. No prior podcasting experience required. Check out the page "Work with Cider Chat", fill out the form and get published on the world's #1 cider podcast as a Cider Reporter @ Cider Chat!
Mentioned in this Cider ChatThis episode features two cider professionals and a cider industry consultant, which is exactly who you need a direct line to when your cider has problems. Hear from Megan Faschoway who at the time of this recording was Senior Cider Maker at Sea Cider, Kira Bassingthwaighte Head Cider Maker at Western Cider in Montana and Nick Gunn of BenchGraft a cider consultation service based in Salem Oregon.
This talk took place in Portland Oregon at CiderCon, the annual cider conference hosted by the American Cider Association. The title of the talk was "What to do when things go wrong".
The focus was not on preventive measures, but as the title says – curative steps that one can take to try to mitigate a problem with a particular cider
In this Cider Chat on Cider ProblemsEnjoy this panel discussion "Pear Necessities: International Perry recorded at CiderCon 2024. The panel was moderated by drinks writer, Adam Wells of the UK. Sitting to his right was Tom Oliver of Olivers Cider and Perry Ltd (UK), Laura Cherry of Dragon's Head Cider (Washington State), Albert Johnson of Ross and Wye Cider and Perry Company (UK) and cider critic and blogger Natalia Wszelaki (Germany).
(L to R) Tom Oliver (Oliver's Cider and Perry), Albert Johnson (Ross-on-Wye Cider), Laura Cherry (Dragon's Head Cider), Natalia Wszelaki (Cider Explorer), Adam Wells (Cider Review) Topics discussed during this Perry PanelPerry: A Drinker's Guide, author Adam Wells of Cider Review
Mentions in this Cider ChatOlympic Bluffs Cidery & Lavender Farm is located on the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. The farm is on a bluff that overlooks the Salish Sea, which spans the international waters between British Columbia and Washington State. The location is dreamy with views of Mount Baker, a 10,000+ foot mountain, to the east and Victoria Canada to the north.
Olympic Bluffs was founded by Ginger and Scott Wierzbanowski, who found farm land years early on a trip to Washington State. Both are Air Force Veterans with Ginger serving as an Intel Officer and Scott as an Air Force F 16 pilot.
Scott and Ginger next to F 16 – note Scott's name on planeThe two met in Korea, married in Denmark, and lived in Europe where in France they discovered Calvados. Years later their love of cider helped frame Olympic Bluffs Cidery and Lavender Farm which has an onsite Lavender shop, a cider production area, a Bed and Breakfast next door, and a commercial location where a future tasting room will be situated in downtown Port Angeles.
In this Cider ChatMike Biltonen and his wife Debbie founded Know Your Roots in 2008 and began offering a wide array of service for backyard and commercial orchardists in 2014.
MikeThis conversation tool place at the Berkshire Roundtable that was founded my Micheal Phillips 34 years ago. This annual meet up of orchardist and cider makers takes place in Massachusetts each spring. It is an informal discussion amoungst peers all on growing apples and assorted pomme fruits. Micheal Phillips was a renown orchardist and author of many books like The Holistic Orchard. Find all his books at Cider Chat's book page. Listen to episode 312 dedicated to Micheal.
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