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Hort leaders discuss top issues of coming year David Douglas, Washington State David Douglas President, Washington State Horticultural Association D avid Douglas, 37, works for the family growing and packing operation, Douglas Fruit Company, which is located in Pasco, Washington. Douglas earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's in business administration from the University of Washington. He manages the field staff, and is involved in the operations and accounting aspects of the business. Which two issues would you like to see the Hort Association focus most on in the next five years? 1. Continued collaboration with other industry organ- izations to ensure that our efforts to inform, educate, and lobby are consistent and carry the most meaningful mes- sage possible. There are still many opportunities to create All regions face similar challenges. by Geraldine Warner efficiencies and strengthen the effectiveness of all organizations. 2. The strength of the annual meeting. With the majority of our funding derived from the annual meeting, it is critical to make sure the meeting is relevant, inform- ative, and worth the time and money individuals and organizations commit to attend. What is the biggest driver of change in the tree fruit industry today? Speed. Change occurs at a much greater pace today than it did even ten years ago. The consumer has an ever- increasing number of options in the produce department and the competition for that shelf space is high. As grow- ers and marketers we have to continually stay out in front with varietal selection and quality. You have to produce maximum yield of a desired variety in the grades and sizes that the consumer wants. If you fail in any one of 100 YEARS Because we offer the QUALITY you expect and deserve! these areas you have to be willing to reinvest and change or risk failure. If there is a continuing crackdown on illegal immigrants and no immigration reform, how might the U.S. fruit industry adjust? The industry will shrink and fruit grown in the United States will become very expensive. Production will shift to other countries that have lower labor costs, and we will import a much greater percentage of the fruit that we consume. Growers and shippers that have the capital and appetite for risk will make significant investments in what limited technology is available to automate processes and hope to sell the fruit for high enough prices to pay for that technology. I am hopeful that there will be a recognition by our leg- islators that high-intensity agriculture requires: a specific plan in regards to comprehensive immigration reform; a solution today for the experienced trained work force that we currently employ; and an effective guest-worker pro- gram that allows us to handle the seasonal labor demands of our industry for the future. Ed Robinette President, Michigan State Horticultural Society. E d is one of three brothers who own Robinette Orchards, a small apple, peach, and sweet cherry farm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which was purchased by their great-grandfather in 1911. All the fruit is sold at the farm. They have a cider mill, bakery, winery, and many other activities. Ed serves as president of the family corporation, Robinette's, Inc. Ed Robinette, Michigan Which two issues would you like to see the Hort Society focus most on in the next five years? 1. The many changes affecting Michigan State Univer- sity, the Extension Service, and our experiment stations. The funding for all these institutions has changed drasti- cally, and this has wide ranging effects on our industry. 2. Communications: We need to embrace new means of communicating with our members, legislators, Exten- sion Service, and university decision makers in order to make our voice louder and have a bigger impact where it's needed. What is the biggest driver of change in the tree fruit Your Krymsk® 5 & 6 Headquarters! 100 Years at Newcastle, Ca 800-675-6075 FowlerNurseries.com FowlerNurseries.com 16 JANUARY 1, 2012 GOOD FRUIT GROWER industry today? The global market in which we are now competing. Foreign competition, foreign markets, world economic change, and the resulting changes in funding for critical research and marketing support. Change seems to come faster every year. www.goodfruit.com geraldine warner