NYAG LLC, a new company formed by New York growers, aims to grow, pack, market, and sell new advanced apple varieties from Cornell University. CLUB varieties are drawing a lot of attention in the industry, and not all of it good. Some growers are concerned managed varieties are putting smaller growers at a disadvantage, hindering them from profiting from the new, premium apples entering the marketplace. NYAG LLC, a new company formed by New York growers, aims to ensure everyone in the state has a chance to be a part of Cornell University's latest variety introductions. The goals of the program are not only to introduce new apple cultivars to the marketplace, but to allow any New York State apple grower to become a member. NYAG LLC chairman Roger Lamont says this model will enhance New York State apple grower sustainability, growth, and long-term competitiveness. "The marketplace demands new products, whether you're in apples or Procter & Gamble," he says. "They're looking for something new and exciting, so we think that to be vibrant and competitive in the apple business, we've got to make sure our New York apple industry, the number-two state in apple production, has new and exciting varieties for the growers to grow, the retailers to sell, and the consumers to buy."
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