Porpiglia Farms in Ulster County is selling the first apples of the season with the help of a just-purchased $2 million machine that scrubs, sorts, waxes and bags the fruit more efficiently.
The technology will allow the farm to ship more of its apples during the peak season directly to Walmarts, Sam's Clubs, Costcos and, possibly, New York City government agencies—thanks to municipal rule changes meant to help upstate farmers.
"If I could sell to the city directly," said Anthony Porpiglia, co-owner of the 600-acre farm, "I'd make $2 to $3 more on a 40-pound box of apples." He currently sells his fruit to the city and to others via a distributor.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Crain's New York Business