Pears
Cherry, stone fruit growers approve assessment to support WSU
Cherry and stone fruit growers throughout the state 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. This builds... more »
China opens to U.S. pears
For the first time in history, U.S.-grown pears have officially gained access to the Chinese market, according to Pear Bureau Northwest.“We have been working on this for 20 years, and the official request from our... more »
Stefano Musacchi to fill endowed research chair at WSU
Stefano Musacchi, an internationally recognized leader in pomology (the science of fruit and fruit growing), will join the faculty at Washington State University in August 2013 as the endowed chair in tree fruit physiology/management.The chair... more »
Washington stone fruit growers will vote a second time
If everything goes according to plan, Washington state’s cherry and other stone fruit growers will find ballots in their mailboxes in December, said Jim McFerson, manager of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission.The growers will... more »
Growers get one more year of Guthion
Federal regulators will allow fruit growers to use the insecticide Guthion for an additional year.EPA said Thursday the extension is due to higher-than-normal stocks of the organophosphate chemical in grower hands because of crop losses... more »
NOP announces new organic rules
USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) published a final rule Aug. 2 that addresses the use of three substances in organic agriculture, with specific limitations that would support production and processing of organic products.Effective Aug. 3,... more »
Washington tree fruit sustains significant damage in hail storm
Thunderstorm-driven hail on July 17 damaged apples and pears in commercial orchards on Manastash Ridge southeast of Ellensburg, throwing most of the fruit out of the running for the fresh market.“This is just devastating, very... more »
Report: Produce prices fluctuate in first quarter 2012
Fruit prices have managed to hold steady while the majority of vegetable products decreased in average retail price compared to the first quarter of 2011, according to the latest FreshFacts on Retail quarterly report from... more »