Pennsylvania is the fourth-largest apple-producing state in the country. The 2010 apple crop provided more than $700 million to the state’s economy, with approximately $3 million coming from exports to places like Central America, Israel and India.

Pennsylvania’s apple orchards are rich in tradition, with sixth, seventh and even eighth-generation families owning and operating them today.An orchard in full bloom in Bedford County, PA. (Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program)

The Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program, or PAMP, is a commodity marketing program established in 1968. It is funded by Pennsylvania apple growers and governed by a board of directors composed of growers from various regions of the state and a representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The program’s goal is to promote the sale and consumption of Pennsylvania’s fresh apples and processed apple products. PAMP works with Pennsylvania retailers, direct marketers, apple processors and apple shippers to provide point of sale, promotions, and marketing support across various distribution channels. A portion of PAMP’s annual budget is dedicated to horticultural and/or marketing research.

Julie Bancroft is the executive director of PAMP.

“Weather conditions in Pennsylvania have been optimal for growing an ideal crop,” she told The Produce News. “We expect to have a full, high-quality crop with excellent color and flavor.”

PAMP is also an active member in both the U.S. Apple Association and the U.S. Apple Export Council. Membership in these organizations allows apple growers, shippers, and processors in Pennsylvania the opportunity to work directly on issues and policies affecting the apple industry, both domestic and international.

“Our volume in Pennsylvania has remained steady for the past several years, and we anticipate the same for this year’s crop,” said Bancroft. “We will likely export around three percent of our fresh crop this year.”

In Sept. 2014, PAMP announced it is proud to support the “Produce for Better Health Foundation’s Fruits & Veggies — More Matters” health initiative.

“The initiative helps promote a healthy lifestyle through expert cooking advice using many delicious fruits and vegetables, including apples, easy-to-understand nutrition information and shopping tips that everyone can use,” Bancroft noted.

This year, PAMP will be continuing its “Pick PA Apples” billboard campaign.

“Our shippers will be offering a high-graphic Eastern Apples trip-wall bin for retail,” added Bancroft. “We’ve also created a new collateral piece that is a tabloid newspaper for kids that has fun educational activities to help them learn about apples and the healthy benefits that come from eating them regularly. This will be made available to our Farm Marketers and educators in the state.”