There is currently an active Request for Preproposals (RFP) for Pear and Technology.
Preproposals must be submitted by:
August 1, 2024 | Pear RFP |
September 18, 2024 | Technology RFP |
Please see the dropdown menu below for the Research Priorities.
The form to submit a preproposal can be found here: https://treefruitresearch.org/proposal-process-instructions-and-documents/pre-proposal/instructions/
There is currently no active Request for Preproposals (RFP) for Cherry and Stonefruit.
A downloadable version of the following information can be found here: 2025 Technology Research Priorities
2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Technology
The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) is seeking proposals for technology. Technology projects for apples or across different crops (apples, cherries, pears, stone fruit) are encouraged. Of special interest are proposals addressing methods assessing labor utilization or for the reduction of manual labor needs in orchards. Please refer to the current Technology Roadmap for more detailed background: https://treefruitresearch.org/about-us/technology-roadmap/
1. Partial or full automation of:
-Harvest automation for apple, pear, stonefruit, and cherry.
-Three state (CA/OR/WA) collaboration to automate cherry harvest.
-Pruning – Cutting selected branches on a tree to achieve desired crop load.
-Thinning – Removal of fruit from the tree- manual, physiological.
-Spraying – Adoption of precision crop protection application methods (needs to include efficacy data).
-Insect monitoring – Automated insect monitoring and scouting programs.
2. Plant health and irrigation monitoring with automated sensors.
3. Non-destructive crop stress modeling.
4. Smart Orchard Project – Give growers the tools to assess and make critical decisions.
5. Accurate crop estimation (yield, size profile) / real time fruit growth measurement.
6. Cost-effective high-density growing systems or manipulation of existing systems for efficient automation.
7. Timeline for pruning based on physiology to develop roadmap for pruning robots.
8. Economic analysis: For available and novel technologies (how to make the economics work), focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
Some of the priorities listed do not specifically ask for organic options. We are interested in having organic practices considered in all proposed work, when appropriate. Also, proposals are expected to include an industry outreach component if the sought-out project outcomes are anticipated to directly translate into management changes. Maintaining profitable and sustainable tree fruit companies is of utmost importance to our industry and economic considerations need to be included in project designs.
Novel ideas in areas not listed as priority are encouraged. Please feel free to contact Ines Hanrahan (hanrahan@treefruitresearch.com) to discuss any ideas outside of the priorities identified by the 2024 Request for Proposals (RFP) before submitting a preproposal.
Detailed instructions for preproposal submissions may be found at: https://treefruitresearch.org/proposal-process-instructions-and-documents/pre-proposal/instructions/
Preproposals should be submitted by September 18th, 2024, to: submit@treefruitresearch.com
For general information about the funding process please consult the Proposal, Review, and Funding Process Description Document: https://treefruitresearch.org/proposal-process-instructions-and-documents/proposal-review-and-funding-processes/
For more information or context please contact: hanrahan@treefruitresearch.com
There is currently no active Request for Preproposals (RFP) for Apple Crop Protection.
There is currently no active Request for Preproposals (RFP) for Apple Horticulture and Postharvest.
A downloadable version of the following information can be found here: 2024 WA Pear Funds RFP
AIM: We seek proposals that address a long-term pear need, with a capital expenditure component, to disburse WA pear research reserve funds held by the WTFRC. We will not support ongoing/recurring budgets for maintenance and/or management. Requests need to consider covering those expenses through other means.
– Requests must demonstrate a benefit to WA pear growers from whom the funds were assessed.
– Requests should focus on capital expenditures such as equipment, facilities, or products which:
– Support/augment ongoing pear projects.
– Help multiple pear-related programs.
– Benefit pear interests for many years.
RFP Submission Deadline: August 1, 2024
Detailed instructions for preproposal submissions may be found at: https://treefruitresearch.org/proposal-process-instructions-and-documents/pre-proposal/instructions/
Preproposals should be submitted to: submit@treefruitresearch.com
For general information about the funding process please consult the Proposal, Review, and Funding Process Description Document: https://treefruitresearch.org/proposal-process-instructions-and-documents/proposal-review-and-funding-processes/
For more information or context please contact: hanrahan@treefruitresearch.com