Crunch Time Apple Growers announced the retirement of Jeffrey Crist from the organization’s board of directors effective June 27, 2017.
Crist is the owner and operator of Crist Bros Orchards, Inc., in Walden, NY. Crist is a fourth generation farmer whose family purchased the original acreage in 1883. Crist operates the farm with his wife, Joy, along with their daughter, Jennifer and son Joel. The farm grows apples for the wholesale market on 550 acres of orchard, including 50 acres of SnapDragon® and RubyFrost® apples. In addition to growing traditional varieties, the farm has undergone aggressive replanting of its orchards including Honeycrisp, Koru, Gala and Fuji varieties.
Playing a critical role in the growth of the apple growing industry in New York State, Crist has served on Crunch Time’s board of directors since 2010, serving as the vice chairman and marketing committee chairman from 2010-2015. He was one of the founders of New York Apple Growers (NYAG) LLC.
In addition to his involvement with Crunch Time, Crist served over 20 years on the U.S. Apple Association and New York Apple Association, serving as chairman of the board for both organizations. He served 20 years on the Town of Montgomery Planning board, including four years as chairman. In addition, he served two terms on the Advisory Council for Cornell’s New York State Experiment Station in Geneva, NY.
“On behalf of the entire board, I would like to thank Jeff for his outstanding service and leadership,” said John Teeple, Crunch Time’s board chairman. “I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jeff for over 25 years. Jeff is an innovative leader in the industry. He was instrumental in forming the relationship with Cornell and in the start-up of (NYAG) Crunch Time Apple Growers. Under his leadership and guidance, a team of active growers developed the philosophy and structure of this new business. Although Jeff has completed his term on the board, the leadership of Crunch Time Apple Growers will continue to call upon him for his guidance.”
For more information:
Rena Montedoro
Crunch Time Apple Growers