Orchard Accuses Hot Air Balloon Company of Apple Theft; Company Cites Misunderstanding
A Connecticut orchard claims a hot air balloon company has repeatedly flown over its trees and taken apples, while the company states the incidents were a misunderstanding.
Woodstock Orchards LLC, a family-owned farm in Connecticut, has publicly accused CT Voyagers, a hot air balloon tour company, of repeatedly flying over its trees and allowing passengers to take apples. The orchard claims this practice has damaged their trees and resulted in the loss of their crop.
In a Facebook post, Woodstock Orchards stated, “For the second time, this hot air balloon has come down into our orchard, with someone reaching out and taking apples from our trees.” The post, accompanied by a photograph of a colorful hot air balloon near fall foliage, added that the orchard's trees have been struck and damaged in the process. The farm emphasized that while they welcome visitors and enjoy seeing balloons in the sky, enjoying the view does not grant permission to damage property or take crops. "Every apple on those trees represents time, money, and hard work," the orchard wrote. They expressed disappointment that a business operating in their community would not understand the importance of respecting local farms and small businesses.
Photos shared by the orchard appeared to show branding for CT Voyagers on the balloon. This company advertises itself as one of the top-rated hot air ballooning companies in Connecticut and New England.
A spokesperson for CT Voyagers, however, described the incidents as a "misunderstanding." According to the company, during a previous flight over the orchard several years ago, a "nice young lady" offered apples to passengers. The pilot reportedly found the interaction welcoming and has since recommended Woodstock Orchards to customers. The company stated they were unaware of any policy requiring permission to pick an apple at that time.
The spokesperson claimed that during the more recent incident, the balloon remained above the treeline. They stated that a 12-year-old customer reached for an apple, and the pilot descended to pick one for the child. The company claims that after this, an "angry man" told the pilot to leave, despite an offer to pay for the apple and return it. CT Voyagers acknowledged that seeking permission to pick an apple is now justified and apologized for not doing so, stating their pilot is aware of this new policy.
The balloon company also alleged that orchard workers "verbally threatened" the balloon crew and threatened to ruin their reputation. "We again apologize for any misunderstanding and hope we can all peacefully continue to find ways to rise by lifting others up," the representative stated.
Woodstock Orchards updated its statement to clarify that they did not immediately go to social media. "The balloon operator was spoken to. We were not asked for permission for the balloon to do this."