Washington Cherry and Stone Fruit Growers Agree to a $5 Million Investment
Pullman, WA -
By ANUK Staff
2.15.13
Washington cherry and stone fruit growers have agreed to make a $5 million investment over the next eight years at Washington State University research and extension centers in Prosser and Wenatchee. The investment follows in the wake of a similar measure voted on by apple and pear growers in 2011 to solidify cooperation between the industry and WSU.
"The close partnership between Washington's tree fruit industry and Washington State University continues to be transformational," said WSU President Elson S. Floyd. "Working together for more than a century, we have helped to make Washington a world leader in tree fruit production.
"The assessment by cherry and stone fruit growers, in combination with the $27 million investment in WSU made by apple and pear growers in 2011, helps to ensure that our partnership in progress continues for an even brighter future for our state,” he said. "We are extremely grateful for the industry's confidence and investment in WSU."
The State Department of Agriculture reviewed election results Monday. Cherry growers voted for the the investment with a 59% approval rate. 68% of stone fruit growers approved the measure.
Cherry growers will be assessed $4 per ton and stone fruit growers $1 per ton.
"We compete in a global market, and this investment ensures we will continue to be leaders in innovation while maintaining economic prosperity for Washington growers,” said Jake Gutzwiler, a cherry grower and Quality Control Manager for Stemilt Growers who added that research and innovation have always been at the heart of the Washington tree fruit industry’s success.
Gutzwiler is also chair of the WSU Endowment Advisory Committee, which, along with WSU administrators and researchers, has been guiding decisions about how to direct funds from Washington apple and pear growers' $27 million investment.
"We've been developing a list of industry needs in terms of research and extension,” he said. "The challenge has been developing these needs for only apples and pears, when cherries and stone fruit are a significant part of our industry.
Dan Bernardo, Vice President for Agriculture and Extension and dean of the WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences, agreed.
"The full support of the tree fruit industry is a testament to three critical factors,” he said. "The first is the commitment and foresight of an extremely progressive industry. The second is the long history of quality contributions by our gifted and dedicated scientists and extension professionals at WSU who work tirelessly to serve the industry. And third is the trust and respect built between the two during a century-long partnership.”
As a result, the funds will go to WSU’s research and extension centers at Wenatchee and Prosser. Specifically, the funds will be allocated as follows:
• $12 million to establish endowed chairs that will provide perpetual support for the tree fruit research program. WSU will cover the salary and benefit costs for each faculty position.
• $12 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 positions will reinvigorate WSU extension activities and focus on industry priorities.
• $8 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.
Floyd announced WSU's historic comprehensive fundraising effort - "The Campaign For Washington State University: Because the World Needs Big Ideas” - in December 2010. The tree fruit industry’s combined commitment of $32 million will be counted toward the campaign’s $1 billion goal.
Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission
