New England Apple Growers Fear Irene's Wrath
BOSTON (AP) - New England apple growers are hoping for the best as Hurricane Irene approaches.
Russell Powell, executive director of the New England Apple Association, says high winds could potentially damage trees and knock fruit to the ground just as the industry is gearing up for the lucrative apple-picking season.
Powell says growers are hoping damage from the storm will not be too serious. The association is projecting a 10 percent increase in the New England apple crop from last year, though that forecast is still below the five-year average for the region.
Powell says while hurricane damage is a major threat, it doesn't match the danger posed to apple growers by an early-season frost.
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