In 1935, New York apple growers joined forces with New England growers to form the New York and New England Apple Institute, an organization that promoted the consumption of fresh apples. A separate group promoting apples in the western part of the state was incorporated in 1950 (Western New York Apple Growers Association). In 1994, the New York and New England Apple Institute dissolved. Eastern New York growers and the Western New York Apple Growers Association unified to create the New York Apple Association.

All New York apple growers pay an assessment on each bushel of apples they sell in accordance with the New York State Apple Marketing Order. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets collects the assessment funds and annually awards the contract to NYAA to spend the money in support of the New York apple industry.

The NYAA staff manages a range of programs in support of the New York apple industry including:

• Promoting demand for New York State produced and packed apples and apple products through advertising, promotional and educational work with retailers, handlers, consumers, processors and others.
  
  
• Representing its members’ point-of-view to buyers, the public, state and federal legislative and regulatory entities.
  
  
• Coordinating and performing agricultural and market research activities.
  
  
• Cooperating with similar associations or agencies in performing any of the above purposes and any and all things that affect the mutual interests of the New York State apple industry.