By Blake Jackson
Deck the halls with boughs of holly and jingle your wallets for local New York Christmas trees! The Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York (CTFANY) has received a welcome gift in the form of $126,000 from the state's 2023-24 budget, spreading cheer both for farmers and families.
Established in 1950, CTFANY has nurtured the natural Christmas tree industry for over seven decades. Their mission is to empower farmers, fostering national recognition, quality production, environmental protection, and customer satisfaction. They educate the public, advocate for farmers, and ensure those perfect holiday trees continue to grace living rooms across New York.
Senator Lea Webb, championing this festive funding, remarked, "For many Southern Tier families, choosing the perfect tree at a local farm is a treasured tradition. These farmers are vital to our agricultural landscape, bringing light and joy to countless homes during this special season."
Webb further expressed her satisfaction, "Securing these state funds in the budget signifies our commitment to supporting CTFANY and the crucial role they play in bolstering our local economy and supporting our hard-working tree farmers."
New York boasts an impressive presence in the national Christmas tree scene. With 875 farms spanning nearly 19,000 acres, the state ranks fourth in the nation for Christmas tree acreage. By opting for a local tree, New Yorkers can directly contribute to this $13.8 million economic engine and ensure the tradition thrives.
Photo Credit: mayukh-karmakar
Categories: New York, Business