Greece, N.Y. - It was the first day of 'pick your own' at Green Acre Fruit Farm, in Greece, a farm where apples are in short supply this year.
“The largest crop we have is about 50-percent on a variety and some varieties have absolutely nothing,” said fruit grower Joe Michaloski, of Green Acre Fruit Farm. “We have other varieties at about 20-percent.”
Michaloski's crop is matching up with the state's trend. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts the crop across the state will be down 54-percent this year. An early spring warm spell followed by frost and then a dry summer, were all contributing factors.
“It’s been almost 70 years since something like this has happened,” said Michaloski.
But it's not all bad, the few apples there are will be extra tasty.
“A lot of the fruit is going to be a bit bigger,” said Michaloski. “The color may not be quite as great, but the flavors are going to be tremendous.”
As for the price, farmers expect it to go up as they try to make up for loosing so much of their livelihood.
