While many of us are wondering what happened to the summer, fall has arrived here in the North Country. The leaves are changing, the days and nights are cooler, and Halloween is just around the corner. But what’s best about fall in Northern New York are the opportunities to get out and experience New York agriculture, such as going apple or pumpkin picking.

New York state ranks second in the nation in apple production, with over 1 billion pounds of apples grown here in 2010 for both processing and fresh markets. This represents 12% of the nation’s supply of apples. The direct economic impact of the apple industry in New York was $233 million last year. Oswego County is one of the major apple growing regions in the state. Other areas in the state where apples are plentiful are Western New York, Eastern New York, and the Champlain Valley.

Pumpkins also are a key crop in New York and are in the top five vegetable crops in terms of cash value. Pumpkins are produced for local direct-to-consumer sales and for large wholesale markets in the eastern United States. Unlike other vegetable crops, pumpkins are grown in New York almost exclusively for ornamental use and few are actually consumed.

In 2010, New York state ranked second nationally in pumpkin production, with a $35 million direct economic impact. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irene caused massive devastation to pumpkin crops this year in Eastern New York, so much so that some parts of the state are experiencing a pumpkin “shortage.”

If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to get out and enjoy what New York agriculture has to offer this fall. Go apple picking, go to a pumpkin patch to get some natural fall ornaments for your yard, and on your way home, stop by a Northern New York winery and grab a bottle of locally-produced wine for dinner.

As always, I welcome your questions and concerns. Please do not hesitate to give me a call at 315-493-3909, send me an email at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us, or stop by my office at 15 Bridge St. in Carthage.