Sen. Ritchie: Help NY Farmers, Buy a Natural Christmas Tree

Buying From Local Christmas Tree Dealers Keeps Dollars Local

State Senator Patty Ritchie is reminding people they can help grow New York State’s economy by buying a natural Christmas tree this season.

“With nearly  1,000 Christmas tree growers across New York State and many more local dealers, you can help keep your holiday dollars circulating in your own community by buying from your neighbors and friends,” Senator Ritchie. “If we want to revive Central and Northern New York’s economy, we each need to do our own part by investing our money locally. Local Christmas tree dealers live in our communities, support other local businesses and help us keep customers shopping locally.”

“Just as importantly, there’s nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit,” Senator Ritchie said. “New York State ranks 7^th in the nation in Christmas tree production. We have over 20,000 acres planted in this renewable resource.”

“New York State grows the best Christmas trees in the world,“ said Faye Beckwith, president of Christmas Tree Farmers Association of NY,  Inc. and a member of Senator Ritchie’s Agricultural Advisory Committee.   “Many of our growers even offer you and your family an opportunity to come out to our farms where you can pick and cut your own tree. It’s an opportunity to create a family tradition your children will always remember and cherish.”

Click here for a list of local growers, some of whom offer cut your own tree opportunities.