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Cherry and stone fruit growers throughout the state have agreed to make a $5 million investment over the next eight years to support research and extension at Washington State University Centers in Prosser and Wenatchee. This investment builds on a similar measure passed by apple and pear growers in 2011 to galvanize the partnership between the Washington tree fruit 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. We are extremely grateful for the industry’s confidence and investment in WSU.”
This investment comes at a time when the state’s $46 billion food and agriculture industry continues to increase its contribution to the state’s economy. Annually, the Washington tree fruit industry accounts for more than $7 billion of economic impact, with more than a third of that total derived from exports. Read more…
