New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball will lead the Department’s annual tree cutting ceremony at Bell’s Christmas Trees in Accord on Monday. The event aims to promote the purchase of locally grown Christmas trees by encouraging consumers to shop for New York State products during the holiday season.
The Department will also recognize Bell’s Christmas Trees as a longstanding member of the NYS Grown & Certified program, which highlights local farms that meet higher standards for environmental and food safety practices.
After the ceremonial tree-cutting, an 8-foot Fralsam Fir—a hybrid of Fraser and Balsam fir—will be displayed at the Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center to greet visitors during one of the busiest travel and shopping periods of the year.
Participants in the event include State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, owners Brian and Gordon Bell and their family, Michael Naccarato who is President of the New York State Christmas Tree Farmers Association, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, and Erin Enouen, Town of Rochester Supervisor.
