Pacific Northwest

IFTA tour highlights Washington fruit tree production systems

The International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA) summer tour provided participants insights into how growers can more efficiently grow apples, pears and cherries. This year, members of the Kennewick, Washington-based organization toured central and southeast Washington... more »

Washington legislators seek end to frozen blueberry tariff

U.S. Reps. Rich Larsen and Suzan DelBene, Democrats from Washington, are asking U.S. trade officials to work on eliminating tariffs on frozen blueberries exported to Japan. In letters to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and... more »

USDA opens container assistance program amid shipping woes

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications for the Commodity Container Assistance Program (CCAP) as the lack of containers adds to supply chain issues. The CCAP currently... more »

Northwest cherry crop down, but plenty to promote

The Northwest cherry crop is developing beautifully but slowly, according to Northwest Cherry Growers, which puts the season’s first production estimate at 150,468 tons (15.05 million 20-pound cartons). Volunteers surveyed almost 90% of the Northwest... more »

Washington Wine funds research projects tacking industry challenges

The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) awarded almost $1 million in research grants designed to improve wine quality by tackling high priority vineyard and winery issues. The organization’s board of directors approved 24 projects totaling... more »

Washington state’s Dan Newhouse urges action on ag labor reform measure

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Washington, hosted a press conference on April 27 with community leaders and advocacy organizations to urge action on his legislation, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The groups tacking part included the National... more »

Agricultural Leadership Program planned in Washington state

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University are launching the Agricultural Leadership Program. The Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) to be held May 6-June 3 in Yakima, Washington,... more »

Cold effects on pollination, fruit set and hardiness in apples, cherries eyed

On April 12, Washington State University's Matthew Whiting, professor in the Horticulture Department, and Bernardita Sallato, WSU Tree Fruit Extension specialist, hosted a meeting that brought the tree fruit industry together to discuss challenges and... more »