DREAMING UP THE APPLE OF BIG DREAMS" "

Researchers work outside of the spotlight to help growers succeed.

THE CLIMATE AND SOIL CONDITIONS of Washington state create a wonderful puzzle, and when farmers are able to solve the puzzle, they’re rewarded with harvests that rival any other growing region in the world. Tree fruits, in particular, seem to thrive in the state, with orchards of apples, cherries, pears, and nectarines dotting the landscape in every corner.

But the success of tree fruit growers in the state is no accident. Researchers from the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission help to put together puzzle pieces, making it possible for orchardists to get the best from their land. They take the latest scientific breakthroughs and work with farmers to create new best practices that will result in better fruit, higher yields, and a more prosperous industry.

"We are kind of this in-between between scientists, the grower community, and businesses," said Ines Hanrahan, the executive director of the commission. "It’s all with the goal of helping to create solutions for growers so they can maintain profitable businesses."

And they have certainly helped Washington growers, who feed consumer demand in not only the United States, but also in export markets throughout the world. For apples, pears, and cherries alone, the total value of production in Washington is more than $2.5 billion [1] .

One of their most recognizable, successful initiatives has been the Cosmic Crisp apple variety. Work done by the Tree Fruit Research Commission helped get this apple into the hands of consumers.