Features Production Research
WA apple, pear growers donate $27 million to WSU

September 22, 2011, Pullman, WA – Apple and
pear growers throughout the state have agreed to make a historic investment of
$27 million over the next eight years to support tree fruit research and
extension at Washington State University. It is the largest single gift in the
university’s history.

September 22, 2011, Pullman, WA – Apple and
pear growers throughout the state have agreed to make a historic investment of
$27 million over the next eight years to support tree fruit research and
extension at Washington State University. It is the largest single gift in the
university’s history.

“A gift of this
magnitude is truly transformational,” said WSU president Elson S. Floyd. “In
partnership, WSU and growers will work to ensure the industry continues to be a
leader in the global market.

“We sincerely thank the
industry for making such a dramatic investment and for finding a way to make it
happen that fits the industry’s culture and values,” he said.

Washington State
Department of Agriculture (WSDA) officials certified the election results. At
the end of September 16, separate ballots were mailed for apples, pears,
cherries and stone fruit, with producers of each commodity voting on the
assessment.

Of the 791 ballots cast
by apple growers, 450, or 57 per cent, approved a $1 per ton assessment
dedicated to WSU research and Extension. Of the 265 ballots cast by pear
growers, 148, or 56 per cent, approved a $1 per ton assessment for WSU research
and extension. Cherry and stone fruit growers did not approve the special
project assessment, with 56 and 57 per cent opposed, respectively.

Jim Doornink, chair of
the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, said approval of the special
project assessment speaks to a rich legacy of partnership between growers and
WSU. He acknowledged there is “still much work to be done.”

“The Washington tree
fruit industry is a global competitor today in part due to the partnership and
close collaboration among growers and scientists at WSU,” said Doornink, who
raises cherries, apricots, peaches, pears and apples in the Yakima Valley. “The
results of that relationship show up every day in the orchard, the packing
house and the market.

“We are thrilled with
this endorsement by apple and pear growers,” he said. “As a commission working
with WSU, we remain committed to serving all fruit growers in the state.”

Bruce Allen, a
Washington tree fruit grower and shipper as well as a member of the volunteer
leadership team that helped spearhead the tree fruit campaign, said research
and innovation have always been at the heart of the industry’s success.

“The Washington tree
fruit industry’s investment in WSU has always paid big dividends,” he said.
“We, as growers, benefit economically from the partnership; this investment
guarantees that will continue.” 

Over the past decade,
WSU has made significant and strategic investments in all areas of tree fruit
research and extension. For the special project assessment, WSU worked closely
with industry representatives to ensure their dollars are spent where they will
have the most impact.

As a result, the funds
will go to WSU’s research and extension centers at Wenatchee and Prosser.
Specifically, the funds will be spent as follows:

• $11 million to create
  six endowed chairs to provide perpetual support for the tree fruit research
  program. WSU will cover the salary and benefit costs for each faculty position.
• $11 million to create an
  endowment to establish new positions in tree fruit production regions to
  accelerate the transfer of new information and technologies for Washington
  growers and shippers. These non-tenured positions will reinvigorate WSU Extension activities and focus on industry priorities.
• $5 million to create an
  endowment to support dedicated research orchards in Prosser and Wenatchee and
  enhance development and evaluation of cutting edge technologies and practices.