Pacific Northwest

Labor, trade issues continue to hurt Washington state farmers

While trade disputes and labor costs continue to affect Washington agriculture, Wenatchee-based McDougall & Sons co-owner Scott McDougall said the situation could get worse. At a Farm Hall hosted by the Washington Policy Center, McDougall said that annual increases in... more »

Washington State Wine grant program builds research

The Washington State Wine Commission will launch a competitive grant program in 2020 to expand its reach and support of viticulture and enology research. The new program establishes the means to encourage scientists, regardless of... more »

Sweet cherries improves sleep with melatonin, perfect for Daylight Savings

With Daylight Savings coming to an end, sweet cherries are the perfect superfood to help your body adjust to the time change and ensure a great night's rest. Amongst other studies, the comprehensive "A Review... more »

Washington Small Fruit Conference & Lynden Ag Show set for Dec. 4-6

The Washington Small Fruit Conference is a three-day conference with the latest relevant research information delivered by the scientists performing the research. The 9th Annual WA Small Fruit Conference is presented by WA Red Raspberries & WA Blueberry Commission, and Washington... more »

2019 storage recommendations for Cosmic Crisp

In our experience, WA 38 (Cosmic Crisp) can be stored with minimum losses throughout a yearlong storage period. Firmness is retained extremely well in CA storage (only 1-2 pounds loss in 10 months). Also, sweetness... more »

New facility purchased for Washington State University bee program

Washington State University’s (WSU) Honey Bee and Pollinator Research and Education program has a new permanent home. The university has signed a purchase agreement on a facility located near Othello, Washington, where scientists will have room and equipment... more »

Opal Apples signs on dietitian, author Cynthia Sass

Opal Apples, marketed as “the only naturally non-browning, non-GMO apples in the U.S.,” now have a brand ambassador in dietician and author Cynthia Sass. Through a partnership... more »

Phytelligence reportedly shutting down

Cultivar propagation company Phytelligence is reportedly shutting down after a federal judge sided with Washington State University in a long legal dispute over growing Cosmic Crisp trees. Seattle-based journalist James Thorne was the first to... more »