ALBANY — Sen. Chuck Schumer wants the federal government to help apple farmers nationwide quickly convert some acres of trees growing McIntosh and other traditional varieties to hot new hybrids like honeycrisp.

Schumer (D-NY) says his bill would provide $20 million for apple farmers to switch over to newer varieties that Canadian growers are supplying at eight times the price of traditional apples.

He said the measure will help apple growers from Washington state to New York compete with Canada and China.