
New York Apple Association Announces Special Apple Orchard Love Story for Valentine's Day; Cynthia Haskins and Thomas Coene Comment
NEW YORK - Love is in the air—or in this case, the apple orchard.

“NYAA has produced over 45 videos featuring New York apple growers and the apples they grow, and we are launching them one by one throughout the winter and spring,” said Cynthia Haskins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Apple Association.
“We have been interviewing growers throughout this season, and this winter we’ve been busy in the edit room. I must admit, one story stands out as my favorite because it centers around love, and Valentine's Day is always a special time,” said Haskins.
The sweet and heartwarming love story started in Wayne County when Lindsey Mercurio and Thomas Coene, an apple grower from Ontario, New York, met. Family and friends enjoyed watching the budding relationship grow. You could tell the love was hand-picked for these two.

As the NYAA staff, videographers, and Bob for Apples from New York were visiting different apple orchards and filming various apple growers, they were touched when Lindsey shared the couple’s love story, according to the press release.
Thomas Coene, Vice President of the New York Apple Association, shared that he invited Lindsey for a ride to the apple orchard, a cherished pastime for the couple. Little did Lindsey know that this familiar outing would turn into the moment of a lifetime.
It was no easy feat for Thomas to keep his plans a secret from his girlfriend. As they stopped by a nearby pond with a panoramic view of the vast acres of apple trees, he knew this was the perfect place and the perfect moment.

The video captures Lindsey recounting the magical story of how Thomas proposed. He surprised her by getting down on one knee to ask the love of his life for her hand in marriage. Lindsey shares that he didn't even get a chance to finish popping the question before she eagerly answered yes.
Apple orchards make a romantic and rustic venue. The picturesque farm’s breathtaking apple orchards are the perfect backdrop for any engagement. New York is home to over 150 apple-picking destinations and over 125 hard cider destinations, with many making space available for events like weddings and gatherings.

Bringing apples and this special engagement moment together feels natural, as apple growers love what they do. Thomas, a fifth-generation farmer with degrees in agriculture business management and sustainable crop production, proudly continues his family's legacy. In 2020, their farm, now operated by his grandfather, father, and himself, was honored as a centennial farm.

“For over 100 years, one thing has remained constant—our commitment to growing the best apples possible,” said Thomas.
This season, New York apple production resulted in 31 million bushels of apples across 50,000 acres, making the state the second-largest producer of apples in the country. New York farmers cultivate over 250 unique apple varieties, and approximately 36 of those are grown in promotable volumes. As the New York Apple Association continues to coordinate promotions with retailers to sell the current crop, the growers are out in the orchards caring for their dormant trees to prepare for the next season.
The New York Apple Association reminds retailers that cross-merchandising apples, apple slicers, and apple slices with dark chocolate dipping kits are a perfect pairing for Valentine's Day. New York State utilizes state-of-the-art controlled atmosphere storage, ensuring apples are in grocery stores year-round. Several apple varieties are available to promote during Valentine's Day. Everyone has their own favorite apples, and we're delighted to see that Thomas found the apple of his eye.