The WTFRC was established by the Washington State legislature in 1969. The WTFRC mission is to promote and carry on research and administer specific industry service programs, which will or may benefit the planting, production, harvesting, handling, processing or shipment of tree fruit in Washington.
Uses and Purposes
Distributions from this Fund shall be used to support the Endowed Chair in Tree Fruit Physiology and Management to meet the following objectives:
- In partnership with other WSU tree fruit physiologists, lead and develop the WSU tree fruit horticulture program to be recognized internationally, emphasizing whole-plant physiology and production systems and post-harvest research that creates innovative solutions to industry issues.
- Focus on applied crop physiology and orchard systems research in apples and pears that may include, but not be restricted to: training systems, rootstock/scion interactions, flowering and fruit set, crop load management, source/sink relationships, plant bioregulators, physiological models, biotic and abiotic stresses, etc.
- Collaborate with and complement other apple, cherry, pear, and stone fruit research, extension, WSU, USDA and private sector research activities, such as breeding, genetics, genomics, crop protection, postharvest biology, food science, agricultural economics, and automation technology.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with researchers, extension professionals, crop consultants, growers, processors, and shippers to inform WSU tree fruit research and extension programs.
- Work closely with the statewide Extension Tree Fruit Program Leader to engage industry stakeholders and effectively deliver practical, research-based information.
- Generate external grants and funding to leverage funds generated from the endowed chair to expand and enhance research, education, and extension activities.
- Educate undergraduate and graduate students and research associates as appropriate within the scope of the position description.