Tree fruit commission, WSU reaffirm landmark partnership, endowed chair support

Research and industry leaders from Washington State University and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) reaffirmed their partnership for science serving the Washington tree fruit industry at a special event Thursday, Aug. 7.

Held at the Lewis Alumni Centre on the WSU Pullman campus, the gathering recognized the university's establishment of six endowed chairs addressing current and emerging challenges to tree fruit production and sustainability, as well as its ongoing stewardship of the industry-supported WSU Tree Fruit Endowment - one of the largest gifts ever made to the university.

"Our partnership with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission is, in many ways, right at the heart of our land-grant mission," WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell said. "It's a nationally relevant example of how growers and universities can work together to benefit the future of food."

Titled "Acknowledging Partnership: WTFRC & WSU Celebrating Endowed Chair Support," the event brought WSU faculty members and administrators, tree fruit industry members, and endowed chair holders together to highlight the impact that grower investments bring to Washington's $10 billion tree fruit sector.

Launched in 2013, the $32 million Tree Fruit Endowment currently funds five endowed chairs focused on tree fruit physiology and management; postharvest systems; bacterial diseases; environmental physiology; and entomology and integrated pest management. The university is currently searching for a sixth chair in soil and rhizosphere science.

"The establishment and, critically, the filling of these endowed chairs represent a monumental step forward for our industry," said Sam Godwin, WTFRC Board Chair. "They offer the stability required for sustained research, allowing our world-class scientists to delve deep into issues like pest management, disease resistance, climate adaptation, and fruit quality. These chairs are also a powerful magnet for attracting top talent, ensuring the cutting edge of tree fruit science remains right here in Washington."

The endowment also supports modern test orchards and equipment, as well as outreach and technology education through the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Program.

The afternoon program featured remarks from President Cantwell, WSU Provost Chris Riley-Tillman, and Scot Hulbert, acting dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), and Department of Horticulture Chair Stephen Ficklin.

Karen Lewis, director of WSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Unit, and Lee Kalcsits, an endowed chair holder and Programmatic Lead for the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, also shared insights into the future impact of the chair roles and the importance of research infrastructure.

The event concluded with a symbolic acknowledgment from the commission to WSU leaders, confirming their strong alliance. Guests were invited to continue networking and discuss future opportunities for collaboration.

"Our partnership with WSU has always been the bedrock of our progress," said Ines Hanrahan, WTFRC Executive Director. "We are immensely grateful for WSU's critical support in establishing and filling these endowed chairs, and for their superb management of the Tree Fruit Endowment, which includes vital information and technology transfer positions and Extension efforts. This collaborative spirit translates directly into practical solutions for our growers, ensuring our industry remains innovative and globally competitive."