that it was a Hudson Valley grower that was selected,” he said. “I think the community was just thrilled that out of over 180 million bushels grown in the U.S. “I have tremendous respect for the office of the president. Charles Schumer’s office in early December, sent Cortlands, Fujis, Romes, Ida Reds and Galas–300 in all–to be used in the pies that would serve the president, first family and 235 distinguished luncheon guests following the inaugural address. “We’re just one of many fruit growers in New York and we want to represent them in the…proper fashion.” The farm, which was notified by U.S. “I think the important thing is we want to wear what happened with a high degree of professionalism and not get carried away with an inflated sense of self-importance,” said Grout, a farmer who also is a veterinarian with a doctoral degree in public health. “They’re the best-tasting apples that I’ve ever had.” Grout and his five sons, who grow 30 varieties on 200 acres, take the often-heard compliment both humbly and gratefully. “I knew it was from Columbia County, but I didn’t realize it was this store exactly,” said the longtime customer. I’m a businessman, too.” A few minutes later, Donna LaTorre of Kinderhook was equally surprised when she found out.

“I didn’t know that, said Nassau resident Wayne Whitney. Route 9 expressed surprise when they were informed that the fruit now had a prominent place in history. But on this stormy Wednesday afternoon, customers at the year-round Columbia County farm market off of U.S.

Most of the people shopping at the Golden Harvest Farm market in Valatie earlier last week hadn’t a clue that the apples they were buying were, in fact, perfectly “presidential.” It just so happened that weeks ago, five varieties of Alan Grout’s apples had been boxed and shipped to the nation’s capital and slated to be used in the pie served at the inaugural luncheon.

Golden harvest farms