Northwest Farm Credit Services announced this month a $250,000 donation supporting postharvest tree fruit research at Washington State University. The donation ultimately will help Pacific Northwest growers deliver plentiful, sustainable fruit crops to consumers in future harvests.
Mandy Minick, Washington State President of Northwest Farm Credit Services (NFCS), presented the contribution to André‑Denis Wright, dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, at the Northwest Horticulture Expo, Dec. 3, in Yakima.
Once fruit crops are harvested, growers and packers face challenges bringing enough safe, high‑quality fruit to consumers due to fruit‑rotting pathogens, environmental stresses, and inefficiencies in the storage and supply chain.
NFCS’ donation allows WSU and USDA scientists to improve fruit quality and storage practices, protect against disease and introduce new technology, by enhancing and updating WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension’s postharvest research facilities and equipment. Building on investment by Washington growers, the donation also supports WSU’s new Endowed Chair for Postharvest Systems, alumna Carolina Torres.
“Northwest Farm Credit Services understands the challenges that Washington growers face,” said Wright. “Working together with growers and Northwest FCS, CAHNRS provides our state’s $6 billion tree fruit industry with a science‑based competitive advantage.”
NFCS provides financing, related services and crop insurance to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers and rural homeowners in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. For more information, go to the NFCS website.
WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension develops and applies research‑based information for sustainable tree fruit production in Washington and the world. Learn more at the WSU Tree Fruit website.
