HILTON, NY — In a state where the Big Apple rules, apple growing is part of New York’s identity. Yet in Monroe County, fewer farmers are choosing to grow and sell them.
Members of the New York Apple Association say the land, where the apples used to grow, is being turned over to developers as longtime farming families pull out of the business. Other growers choose to plant more profitable crops. Many groves in the area are no longer operated by local farm owners. They lease the land to larger companies.
Finding people to work in these areas is another challenge that is changing the face of our local apple industry.
This new reality will not prevent the Hilton Apple Festival from returning from the pandemic. It celebrates the harvest and the season for the 40th year.
Festival Co-Chair Timmy Webster spoke with Spectrum News 1‘s Jim Aroune on the event and what visitors can expect this year.
Apple Fest is held at the festival grounds on Henry Street at Hilton. It runs on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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