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09/16/2012 07:06 PM

Apple prices rise this year

The fall season is right around the corner, a time for sweaters, pumpkin pie and assortments of apple desserts. But this year, the price of apples is a bit higher than in the past due to unusual weather earlier in the year. Our Cara Thomas visited the Cooperstown AppleFest to find out if this hike in price will deter shoppers from buying their beloved seasonal treats.

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FLY CREEK, N.Y. -- In the small hamlet of Fly Creek about 5,000 people came to celebrate the apple harvest at the annual Cooperstown Rotary Club AppleFest. After tasting apples that came right off the tree and freshly squeezed apple cider, people say their mouths are watering for their favorite fall desserts.

Angie Erway, AppleFest's Chairperson, said, "My mom makes a fabulous apple dumpling in the fall so definitely a fan of that."

But this year’s apple harvest wasn’t as plentiful as usual, so those autumn treats will cost a little bit more than they did last year.

Bill Michaels, Co-Owner of Fly Creek Cider Mill, said, "This year's crop is a little bit shorter than years past, due in the most part to a very warm March followed by two successive frosts in April."

An example of prices going up can be seen in the apple cider. Last year at Fly Creek Cider Mill, a gallon of cider cost $6.50, this year it's $7.50.

"But if you figure it out we're still here at a farm stand, a traditional farm stand where you're getting the fresh from the orchard fruit it's somewhat cheaper than a supermarket," noted Michaels.

But for many people, a small price hike doesn't matter. They said in the scheme of things, supporting local farmers and producers is worth a few extra dollars.

Erway said, "The community should really try to buy local and stay local, even if those prices do rise because we do know they'll eventually come back down."

"Anyone who's tasted the difference in an apple between one grown in New York and one grown in other parts of the country, I think will pay a little bit more for a good tasting new York-grown apple," added Michaels.

He said he predicts consumers will continue to see a price hike in processed apple products over the next few months.