[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE APPLE CRUNCH AND THE NATION'S 
                        DOMESTIC APPLE INDUSTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN M. McHUGH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2008

  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 
1143, which expresses support for the goals and ideals of the Apple 
Crunch and National Apple Month, which will be celebrated in October. 
Additionally, this measure promotes the importance of making healthy 
food choices, which apples certainly are, particularly when choosing 
snacks. As my constituents know, there is no better snack on a 
beautiful fall day in Upstate New York than a McIntosh apple.
  We have all heard the old adage of `an apple a day keeps the doctor 
away.' In fact, recent studies have reinforced the nutritional and 
health benefits of apples. These studies have indicated that eating 
apples may help to prevent Alzheimer's disease as well as certain types 
of cancer and heart disease. Additional studies have found that apple 
consumption may help to reduce coughing and perhaps even childhood 
asthma.
  In addition to promoting good health, this resolution also recognizes 
the importance of our Nation's apple industry. The apple has long 
played an integral part in New York State's economy and history, 
particularly in Clinton County which I have the privilege of 
representing. Specifically, by 1850, over 500 varieties of apples had 
already originated in New York State, and of particular pride, the 
world famous McIntosh apple was first propagated and planted in the 
Champlain Valley in 1835. Additionally, in 1969 the Acey Mac apple 
variety, known for being sweet, tart, and juicy, evolved in Peru, New 
York, which is located in Clinton County.
  Today, New York State is home to roughly 694 commercial apple growers 
and produces about 25 million bushels each year, which makes it our 
nation's second leading producer. Moreover, Clinton County is one of 
the State's most productive counties.
  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the importance of apples to our health and 
economy. Accordingly, I am proud to be a cosponsor of H. Res. 1143.




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