(Right to left) Governor Chris Sununu joins NH Commissioner of Agriculture Shawn Jasper and Dan Hicks, owner of Sunnycrest Farm in Londonderry, to mark the official start of apple season in New Hampshire.

Thursday, September 6th marked the beginning of apple season in New Hampshire as Governor Chris Sununu made the ceremonial first pick at Sunnycrest Farm in Londonderry alongside Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets & Food Shawn Jasper, Sunnycrest owner Dan Hicks, and UNH Cooperative Extension Fruit & Vegetable Production Field Specialist George Hamilton. Also on hand were members of the New England Apple Association and New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association.

A large crowd showed up to Sunnycrest Farm in Londonderry to usher in the beginning of apple season in New Hampshire on September 6th. Above (left to right) Governor Chris Sununu chats with George Hamilton of UNH Cooperative Extension and Chuck Souther of Apple Hill Farm in Concord about the difference between nectarines and peaches (two other crops you can find at some local orchards!).

Governor Sununu proclaimed the day, “New Hampshire Apple Day” and spoke about the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy, from tourism to job creation and the environment.

“NH Apple Day serves to remind people that harvest season has begun at their local apple orchards and it’s a great time to visit!” said NH Department of Agriculture’s Gail McWilliam Jellie, in a statement.

Sunnycrest owner Dan Hicks echoed those sentiments. “It’s incredibly important to get out there and visit your local farm or orchard. Apple season is the perfect time to not only support local farmers, but to enjoy the beauty of the farm and spend some time outdoors.”

Governor Chris Sununu and NH Commissioner of Agriculture Shawn Jasper joined the Hicks Family and Sunnycrest Farm crew in Londonderry on September 6th to officially kick off apple season in New Hampshire.

Looking for a local farm? You can visit our New Hampshire Farm Bureau member Fruit & Veggie Producer List to find one near you! You can also learn more about Sunnycrest Farm and the unique challenges of farming in New Hampshire by watching our Risk Management Video Series from 2016 featuring five different Farm Bureau member farms.