NY Says Apple Crop is Hurt, Aid Sought for Farmers

New York legislators say the state's important apple crop took a beating this spring.

Lawmakers are proposing the Family Farmers and Apple Growers Relief Act. They say apple growers have lost as much as 75 percent of this year's crop, a major commodity in New York.

Assemblymen Jim Tedisco, George Amedore and Pete Lopez are joining in the measure with Senators Hugh Farley and Patty Ritchie, chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The Republicans say New York is the second largest apple growing state with 694 farms that employ more than 10,000 people.

The bill is being announced at a Saratoga County apple orchard.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.