Foraged Apples: Science, Cider and Lore – NAFEX 2025 Virtual Conference, Session 3

How can foraged and wild apples shape the orchards and ciders of tomorrow?

All cultivated apple varieties are the product of careful human selection and horticultural propagation. Aside from intentional breeding projects, many of these selections begin with the discovery of a wilding apple of particularly useful quality. With the technologies of plant breeding so far advanced, what is the worth of a wilding apple?

Drawing on fieldwork in New York and New England, Dr. Maria Kennedy of Rutgers University’s Foraged Fruit Project will discuss the research and outcomes of a collaborative research project with Dr. Gregory Peck of Cornell University, which investigates the impact of a renewed interest in wild, foraged, and feral fruits amongst contemporary cider makers and growers.

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This interactive webinar is part of the North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX) 2025 Virtual Conference, featuring three days of inspiring and informative online sessions for fruit growers, November 6-8, via ZOOM or by phone. Participate and ask questions in real time or watch the recorded sessions later.

The conference is open to fruit growers of all experience levels and will feature 8 sessions and 9 speakers over 3 days. Plan to join us!

Conference Session Dates and Times

Thursday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Eastern
Friday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Eastern
Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern

Speakers and Session Topics

Check out the full lineup of speakers and topics on our conference webpage.

Registration and Cost

Members: This live conference (and recordings) is FREE for current NAFEX members. Members will receive email updates with conference notices and links. Not sure if your membership is current? Check the status of your NAFEX membership here.

Non-members: The conference is only $19 and you’ll receive full conference access plus full member benefits for one year! We invite you to join today.