Vienna, VA - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns recently appointed three U.S. apple growers as new members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Board. Jeff Crist of Walden, NY; Gordon "Sonny" Bowman of Mt. Jackson, VA; and David Patterson of Chesterland, OH, will be part of the board that advises the Secretary of Agriculture on issues affecting the fruit and vegetable industry.

"The U.S. apple industry is very fortunate to have such able representation on this important board," said USApple President and CEO Nancy Foster. "There are critical issues for apples on the horizon that can enhance the future profitability and competitiveness of the industry. These individuals will be a strong voice for apples and advise Secretary Johanns and other USDA officials about the impact these issues will have on the continued success of the U.S. industry."

The 25 members were selected from individuals nominated by their peers. Committee members represent all aspects of the fruit and vegetable industries. Each member is appointed to a two-year term. In June 2005, Johanns approved a new two-year charter for the board, which was originally chartered in 2001.

The Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Board will hold its first meeting with the new membership this spring, according to USDA.

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 300 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products..