Fall produce is winner in recession

By Leah Breyette
In today’s tight economy, frugality and practicality are common practices that millions of people follow. The recession has led to people making financial sacrifices in order to make ends meet- from skipping annual vacations, shopping at secondhand stores, to even switching their choice of grocery store, and ultimately, produce provider. With the rest of the nation’s economy at a decrease, at least one part is still going strong. The local produce business is thriving, which goes to show no matter how rough times are, some industries remain immune.
Seasonal produce are fruits and vegetables that grow best during a specific season. In the fall, seasonal produce consists of apples, pumpkins, and squash, to name a few. The fall is also a time when local orchards open up to sell their produce, among other things, for the season. “I’ve always come to the orchards to buy my fall produce,” said Jerie Reid, a Clinton County Resident. It’s working out even better this year because their prices are so reasonable for such good-quality produce, and I’ve had to cut back on how much I spend on groceries with the economy being the way it is.” Jerie’s mother, Janet, had a similar opinion on local produce. “I buy as much produce I can outside of the grocery store, especially in the fall. I take advantage of having so many local produce providers in the area. Knowing who grew your food and being able to put a face to a name is really nice.”
The poor economy seems to show no effect on the local produce business. “Our produce business is doing much better this year than last year. As for customers, we’ve been excelling in numbers the past 6 weekends,” said Patricia Sheehan, an employee at Rulf’s Orchards. “We’ve been very fortunate this year.” A similar opinion is shared with another local orchard. “Our produce is selling great. Our business is still as busy as it’s always been, and we have great prices- the recession hasn’t stopped people from coming in and buying a bag of apples,” said Layla Sullivan, owner of Banker’s Orchards. Although it is uncertain if there is a direct correlation between the nation’s poor economic status and the excellent business local produce providers are receiving this year, it is definite that these providers are at least one type of business that the poor economy has not taken its toll on. “Even though the number of crops we have this year is down from last year, that doesn’t stop our customers from coming,” said Sullivan. “We still have plenty of produce.”
Local produce offers many great benefits that grocery stores cannot. It is locally grown, fresh, and comes with an affordable price tag to top it off. In the North Country, fall orchards are a popular attraction, which also helps the local economy. According to Clinton County resident Alyssa Seymour, “even if the prices of this produce were increased, I would still buy it- it supports our economy and it’s tradition.”