Washington DC - Today's official signing of the Virginia Apple Grower's ETC marks a milestone for state apple growers.  The ETC will enable its members to collaborate in order to share market information, negotiate with shippers, and collectively bargain under protection from state and federal anti-trust laws.  "It's a sluiceway to export markets," said Richard Gilmore, CEO of GIC Group.

"We are delighted at the approval of the ETC, which caps off a six-month effort by GIC, VDACS (Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services), and VAGA (Virginia Apple Growers Association)," stated Gilmore.  GIC Group, an agribusiness consulting and investment firm, serves as contractor to VDACS.  It previously worked on an apple packing house project for the state.  "An ETC will enable all growers in the state to be more competitive in international markets.  More sales - that's our goal," Gilmore remarked.

This ETC consists of four of the largest apple growers in the state of Virginia: Bowman Fruit Sales; Crown Orchard Company; Flippin-Seaman Inc.; and Fred L. Glaize; all of whom are members of the Virginia Apple Growers Association (VAGA).  These members are confident that their involvement in the ETC will  open up new markets for Virginia apples and vastly increase apple exports for the state of Virginia, one of the largest apple producing states in the country.  The products covered under the guidelines of the ETC include fresh apples of all varieties, as well as processed apple products, such as apple juice and applesauce.

For further inquiries, please contact Thom Rosamilia at GIC, 1434 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
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