WOLCOTT, NY - The Board of Directors at Crunch Time Apple Growers is undergoing a shake up, as long-term member Jeffrey Crist has announced his retirement, while the next generation, his son Joel Crist, takes a seat on the board.

“On behalf of the entire board, I would like to thank Jeff for his outstanding service and leadership,” said John Teeple, Board Chairman, according to a press release. “I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jeff for over 25 years. Jeff is an innovative leader in the industry. He was instrumental in forming the relationship with Cornell and in the start-up of (NYAG) Crunch Time Apple Growers. Under his leadership and guidance, a team of active growers developed the philosophy and structure of this new business. Although Jeff has completed his term on the board, the leadership of Crunch Time Apple Growers will continue to call upon him for his guidance.”

Jeffrey Crist, a fourth generation farmer, is the Owner and Operator of Crist Bros Orchards in Walden, NY. Jeffrey has served on the Board of Directors at Crunch Time since 2010, acting as Vice Chairman and Marketing Committee Chairman from 2010-2015. He was one of the founding members of New York Apple Growers. Jeffrey has also served at least 20 years each on the U.S. Apple Association, New York Apple Association, and Town of Montgomery Planning board, taking leadership and chairman roles throughout his career. His retirement was announced June 27, 2017. 

In addition to the announcement of Jeffrey’s retirement, the Board of Directors has also announced the addition of Joel Crist, 29, the youngest apple grower to date to join Crunch Time’s board. Joel's appointment to the board was announced July 20, 2017. Joel is a fifth generation farmer at Crist Bros Orchards, where his role involves packing, shipping, and sales, while learning the growing side of the business.

Before joining the family business, Joel worked as a Business Manager for the food marketing company, Daymon Worldwide, and graduated from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where he specialized in agribusiness and strategy. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Apple Association’s Young Apple Leaders program.

“My goal as a board member will be to become an additional asset to the excellent work the board is doing, and to assist in helping to set Crunch Time up for long-term success—both organizationally and through the marketing of the growingly popular SnapDragon® and RubyFrost® brands,” said Joel.  

Crist Bros Orchards, Inc grows apples for the wholesale market on 550 acres of orchard, including 50 acres of SnapDragon® and RubyFrost® apples. In addition to growing traditional varieties, the farm has undergone aggressive replanting of its orchards including Honeycrisp, Koru, Gala, and Fuji varieties.

Crunch Time Apple Growers