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2019 Tree Fruit Impact Report – WSU Tree Fruit Endowment

André-Denis Wright, CAHNRS Dean

Historic Partnership Bears Fruit

An introduction by André-Denis Wright, CAHNRS Dean.
Stefano Musacchi

Endowed Chair in Fruit Physiology

Stefano Musacchi researches training, pruning, and management techniques to ensure high-performing orchards and high fruit quality.
Karen Lewis

Information & Technology Transfer

Karen Lewis leads the WSU Tree Fruit Extension Team.
Carolina Torres

Endowed Chair in Tree Fruit Postharvest Systems

A profile of Carolina Torres, the university’s first Endowed Chair in Tree Fruit Postharvest Systems.
WSU BL2 Core Lab scientists Anjali Krishnan, Alexis Hamilton, Faith Critzer, Robyn Zaches, and Blanca Ruiz Llacsahuanga.

Research Orchards & Facilities (ROF) Endowment

This fund provides WSU Tree Fruit faculty and staff with facility upgrades, keeping our programs productive and responsive to industry needs.

New & Updated Endowments

Information about WSU Tree Fruit’s new and updated endowments.
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Created through history-making support from Washington fruit growers, the Tree Fruit Endowment helps Washington state take its place as the global center of tree fruit research.

This self-sustaining fund is fueling research and innovation essential to WSU’s role in supporting the state’s multi-billion-dollar tree fruit industry, addressing growers’ top priorities and enhancing Washington’s economic competitiveness.

Developed in partnership with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, the endowment was initiated through grower-voted assessments in the apple, pear, and stone fruit industries.

The Tree Fruit Endowment Advisory Committee guides and oversees this historic, $32 million gift. Members are appointed by industry organizations which include the Northwest Fresh Pear Committee, Washington State Fruit Commission, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, and the Washington Apple Commission.

Current EAC Members

  • SAM GODWIN, Chair, Chelan Fresh Marketing
  • SEAN GILBERT, Gilbert Orchards
  • BOB GIX, Blue Star Growers Inc.
  • ALAN GROFF, Foreman Fruit Company
  • JAKE GUTZWILER, Stemilt Growers, Inc.
  • JASON MATSON, Matson Fruit Company

The WSU shield and CAHNRS