Updated June 2021
In 2013, Washington state tree fruit growers finalized a promise for a $32 million endowment fund—the largest gift to date in Washington State University’s history—to make WSU a globally competitive tree fruit research institution. Developed in partnership with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC), the endowment was initiated through grower-voted assessments in the apple, pear, cherry, and stone fruit industries.
To solve the challenges of today and prepare for a more profitable and sustainable tomorrow, the endowment supports priority research projects, modern test orchards and equipment, outreach efforts, and personnel energizing WSU’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Program. The yearly impact reports are located in the dropdown menus below.
Priorities are guided by the Tree Fruit Endowment Advisory Committee (EAC). Committee membership is appointed by the Northwest Fresh Pear Committee, the Washington State Fruit Commission, the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, and the Washington Apple Commission.
Current EAC Members
✔ SAM GODWIN, Chair, Godwin Family Orchard LLC
✔ SEAN GILBERT, Gilbert Orchards
✔ TEAH SMITH, Zirkle Fruit Company
✔ ALAN GROFF, Foreman Fruit Company
✔ DOUG GIBSON, Underwood Fruit and Warehouse Company
✔ JASON MATSON, Matson Fruit Company
✔ ROBIN GRAHAM, Stemilt Ag Services
Additional Funds Collected (Special Project Overage Assessment)
A total of $948,611.24 in excess funds were collected. The WTFRC and WSU jointly developed a Special Project Assessment Overage Utilization Plan. As provided for in an additional Gift Use Agreement (GUA), signed in October 2020, the entire amount was gifted to WSU. In the GUA, the WTFRC established detailed usecases to determine how additional funds are to be spent. The WTFRC’s goal is for funds to be used in a manner that benefits all contributing crops and further enhances the established endowment. Of the total amount, $120,000 was used to establish start-up packages for ITT positions. The remaining $828,611 was authorized for use by the EAC in March 2021, to bolster the infrastructure payout for 2021.
Contact
If you have questions, please contact Ines Hanrahan (hanrahan@treefruitresearch.com).