Washington State Tree Fruit Association

05/28/2026

It’s official! 🍒

The Cherry Institute will be joining us at the WSTFA Annual Meeting & NW Hort Expo this year. We’re excited to bring together even more research, industry insight, and collaboration as we continue strengthening the future of tree fruit.

This partnership is a great step forward in connecting growers, researchers, and industry leaders all under one roof for meaningful conversation and practical takeaways.

Read more here:
https://goodfruit.com/cherry-institute-joining-wstfa-annual-meeting/

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

05/27/2026

With cherry season just ahead in Washington State - running from June through August - we can already feel the excitement growing about your favorite varietals and all the ways to enjoy them. Swipe to see a few suggestions of our own...

What varietals are YOUR faves and how do you enjoy them? Let us know in the comments, and here's to a sweet season ahead!

05/14/2026

Not only does the Cosmic Crisp® taste great, it's also unique to Washington state. And it's gonna stay that way for the next six years!

We could not be happier to hear that our beloved Washington State University (WSU) - the original developer of the varietal - has decided to extend the "Washington Grower Exclusivity Period for Cosmic Crisp® through the patent expiration date of May 26, 2032," according to Freshplaza.

This is incredible news for our state's economy, as well as our vital community of growers, who have faced challenging conditions over the past few years.

No question, If there is one apple that was made to give Washington agriculture a boost, it's the Cosmic Crisp® - which has grown by substantial acreage since its first plantings in 2017.

And if you've ever had a Cosmic Crisp®, you can probably guess why!

Learn more about the how the Cosmic Crisp® came to be, and its positive impact on our state: https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9835916/washington-state-is-north-america-s-exclusive-grower-of-cosmic-crisp-apples-until-2032/utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=email_this&utm_source=email

05/13/2026

As the growing season begins, many farmers across Central Washington continue to face significant financial challenges. Rising labor, input, and operational costs paired with stagnant returns are placing tremendous pressure on family farms and agricultural businesses across our state.

Washington agriculture remains a vital part of our economy, communities, and food supply, and these conversations are important as we look toward the future of the industry.

Read more from KIRO 7:

How farmers are grappling with growing costs of doing business:

05/08/2026

You've heard the name many times - but do you know where it comes from?

Granny Smith apples have played a notable role in many of our lives, giving us memories that go back to childhood and helping us create delicious recipes as adults. But, what many don't know, is that there was a real Granny Smith!

That's right - according to Washington Apples and Stemilt, this prolific varietal was actually discovered by a woman named Maria Ann (Granny) Smith on her Australian property in 1868, in an area where she would frequently toss "French Crab apples grown in Tasmania."

While the actual lineage of Granny Smith apples is a bit unclear, it appears to be a possible hybrid of the brightly acidic French Crab apple and the milder Rome Beauty.

Most importantly, Granny Smith apples have become a huge crop for Washington State orchards (and eaters!), representing up to 15% of the state's total apple production.

And it's all thanks to the hard work and skilled expertise of our incredible farmers and workers. Show your support by grabbing a few tasty Granny Smiths on your next trip to the market.

05/07/2026

Special thanks to Germaine Newstead from Good Fruit Grower for inviting Congressman Newhouse to join industry leaders for a wonderful conversation on this sunny Thursday in the Yakima Valley. ☀️

We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the issues impacting Washington agriculture and the future of the tree fruit industry alongside growers, partners, and community leaders.

05/07/2026

Last week, this great group of golfers, Jon DeVaney, Mike Burgess, Dave Ducharme, and Matt Hollingbery hit the links at Apple Tree Golf Course in support of WAEF! ⛳️☀️

The sun was shining and the golf was definitely “golfing.”

Now it’s your turn! Join WSTFA in East Wenatchee on August 26 for the Annual Memorial Golf Tournament, a day filled with connection, sunshine, great golf, and support for local scholarships.

Register or explore sponsorship opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/gxYgyVZc

We hope to see you on the course! ⛳️

05/01/2026

A big thank you to Perry Technical Institute for serving as the venue host for our Spring 2026 ALP!

We truly appreciate your support and partnership. Programs like ALP wouldn’t be possible without the strength and commitment of our community.

We’re grateful to work alongside organizations that help make opportunities like this a reality!

04/29/2026

Have you seen the cherry blossoms decorating orchards around our state? It's clear that cherry season is almost here 🍒

Comment below to share which Washington cherry variety you're looking forward to most this year.

04/24/2026

The sun is shining.... it’s time for some golf! ☀️⛳

Join WSTFA in East Wenatchee on August 26th for a day of connection, sunshine, and great golf, all while raising money for local scholarships.

Register or explore sponsorship opportunities here: https://wstfa.org/golf-tournament/

We hope to see you out on the course! ⛳