In
1935, New York apple growers joined forces with New England growers
to form the New York and New England Apple Institute, an organization
that promoted the consumption of fresh apples. A separate group
promoting apples in the western part of the state was incorporated
in 1950 (Western New York Apple Growers Association). In 1994, the
New York and New England Apple Institute dissolved. Eastern New
York growers and the Western New York Apple Growers Association
unified to create the New York Apple Association.

All
New York apple growers pay an assessment on each bushel of apples
they sell in accordance with the New York State Apple Marketing
Order. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
collects the assessment funds and annually awards the contract
to NYAA to spend the money in support of the New York apple industry.

The
NYAA staff manages a range of programs in support of the New York
apple industry including:

• Promoting
  demand for New York State produced and packed apples and apple
  products through advertising, promotional and educational work
  with retailers, handlers, consumers, processors and others.
  
  
  
  
• Representing
  its members’ point-of-view to buyers, the public, state and
  federal legislative and regulatory entities.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Coordinating and performing agricultural and market research
  activities.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Cooperating with similar associations or agencies in performing
  any of the above purposes and any and all things that affect
  the mutual interests of the New York State apple industry.