K 1594: Commemorating Apple Cider Day on September 26, 2025, and highlighting New York's apple industry

 Assembly Resolution No. 1594 BY: M. of A. Novakhov COMMEMORATING Apple Cider Day on September 26, 2025, and highlighting New York's apple industry WHEREAS, New York State is a leading producer of apples, and its apple industry plays a crucial role in the state's agricultural economy, providing fresh, high-quality apples for local consumption and national distribution; and WHEREAS, The origin of apple cider dates back to 3,000 B.C. when the Celts in Britain made the beverage using crabapples; unlike the cider we know today, this beverage was bitter because it used the local crabapples that grew in small shrubs; the Roman invasion of England in 55 B.C. brought with it apple cultivators and orcharding techniques; the harvests from these orchards were then used to make cider; and WHEREAS, The Norman invasion of England in 1066 introduced acidic cider apples and advanced apple-pressing technology to make the juice-extraction process easier; this made cider a popular drink in England and around the world; and WHEREAS, Western Europe went through a climate shift between the 14th and 19th centuries called The Little Ice Age, where the overall temperature dropped, causing grape vineyards to suffer as they needed a warmer climate; since apples could survive cooler temperatures, cider became the predominant alcoholic beverage over wine; and WHEREAS, Due to an increasing market and demand, small farmers started selling their orchards to commercial cider producers in the 19th century; these producers then expanded their businesses and revamped old methods of cultivation to meet the growing demands; and WHEREAS, Today, the apple harvest season in New York State is a time to celebrate the abundance of apples and apple-based products, including cider, pies, and sauces, which are important to the state's agricultural and culinary traditions; and WHEREAS, New York State's apple industry is committed to sustainable farming practices, promoting environmental responsibility and supporting local economies, while also protecting the health of the land and its resources; and WHEREAS, The State of New York recognizes the importance of the apple industry to its agricultural heritage and continues to support the growth of sustainable practices in farming to ensure a healthy future for generations to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate September 26, 2025, as Apple Cider Day, celebrating the apple industry's role in New York's economy and sustainability efforts.