Commemorating Apple Cider Day on September 26, 2025, and highlighting New York's apple industry

Assembly Resolution No. 1594

BY: M. of A. Novakhov

        COMMEMORATING  Apple  Cider  Day  on September 26,
        2025, and highlighting New York's apple industry

  WHEREAS, New York State is a leading producer  of  apples,  and  its
apple industry plays a crucial role in the state's agricultural economy,
providing  fresh, high-quality apples for local consumption and national
distribution; and

  WHEREAS, The origin of apple cider dates back to 3,000 B.C. when the
Celts in Britain made the beverage using crabapples; unlike the cider we
know  today,  this  beverage  was  bitter  because  it  used  the  local
crabapples  that  grew in small shrubs; the Roman invasion of England in
55 B.C.  brought with it apple cultivators  and  orcharding  techniques;
the harvests from these orchards were then used to make cider; and

  WHEREAS,  The  Norman  invasion of England in 1066 introduced acidic
cider  apples  and  advanced  apple-pressing  technology  to  make   the
juice-extraction  process  easier;  this  made  cider a popular drink in
England and around the world; and

  WHEREAS, Western Europe went through a  climate  shift  between  the
14th  and  19th  centuries  called The Little Ice Age, where the overall
temperature dropped, causing grape vineyards to suffer as they needed  a
warmer  climate;  since  apples could survive cooler temperatures, cider
became the predominant alcoholic beverage over wine; and

  WHEREAS, Due to an  increasing  market  and  demand,  small  farmers
started selling their orchards to commercial cider producers in the 19th
century; these producers then expanded their businesses and revamped old
methods of cultivation to meet the growing demands; and

  WHEREAS, Today, the apple harvest season in New York State is a time
to celebrate the abundance of apples and apple-based products, including
cider, pies, and sauces, which are important to the state's agricultural
and culinary traditions; and

  WHEREAS, New York State's apple industry is committed to sustainable
farming practices, promoting environmental responsibility and supporting
local  economies,  while  also protecting the health of the land and its
resources; and

  WHEREAS, The State of New York  recognizes  the  importance  of  the
apple industry to its agricultural heritage and continues to support the
growth  of  sustainable  practices in farming to ensure a healthy future
for generations to come; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commemorate  September  26,  2025,  as  Apple Cider Day, celebrating the
apple industry's role in New York's economy and sustainability efforts.