Skip to main content Skip to navigation

New Endowed Chairs

CAHNRS is currently preparing to add four endowed faculty positions advancing tree fruit research. They are:

  • Tree Fruit Entomology Endowed Chair
    This Endowed Chair will focus on insect behavior modifying tools for Integrated Pest Management in conventional and organic tree fruit production programs. The plan for this position was finalized by the Endowment Advisory Committee. The search will begin in 2021.
  • Tree Fruit Pathology Endowed Chair
    This Endowed Chair will focus on effective management of diseases caused by bacteria and bacteria-like pathogens in tree fruit in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest. CAHNRS hopes to fill the position in early 2021.
  • Tree Fruit Research Endowed Chair
    Funding for this Endowed Chair was completed this year. The EAC will meet to discuss the area of highest academic need identified by the industry to focus this position. The search may begin in 2023.
  • Tree Fruit Soil and Rhizosphere Ecology Science Endowed Chair
    This Endowed Chair will address challenges to fruit production through improved understanding of soil processes and soil-plant interactions. The search is temporarily on hold.

How does the Tree Fruit Endowment work?

The Tree Fruit Endowment provides a dependable, perpetual source of funding. The endowment’s principal is invested, and a portion of the growth on that investment, typically four percent, is paid out annually to fund strategic initiatives identified in collaboration with the Tree Fruit Endowment Advisory Committee.

Contributions by Commodity

Fruit Total as of 6/30/2020
Apple $24,211,426.22
Cherry $5,000,000.00
Pear $2,598,605.89
Stone Fruit $189,967.89
TOTAL $32,000,000.00

Principal of Tree Fruit Endowments 6/30/2020

Endowment Amount
Pathology Chair $2,020,671.94
Physiology Chair $2,039,968.24
Info and Technology Transfer $12,068,682.96
Research Orchard and Facilities $8,010,302.63
Postharvest Systems Chair $2,059,810.83
Soil and Rhizosphere Ecology Chair $2,102,266.91
Entomology Chair $2,021,214.43
Research Chair $2,005,213.25
WTFRC Expendable Fund Funded in 2021

Excess assessment funds to benefit Tree Fruit outreach and infrastructure

The special assessment created by growers to fund the Tree Fruit Endowment collected more than $900,000 above the original $32 million total.

The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission plans to use the excess funds to benefit all contributing crops, and further improve the established endowment. Made in collaboration with the Commission, current plans call for the funds to establish start-up packages for Information and Technology Transfer positions, and to bolster infrastructure at Wenatchee and Prosser through joint proposals to be approved in 2021.