Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/138107
Groups consider merging photo by geraldine warner Changes in the industry will mandate a unified approach, some believe. by Geraldine Warner F our Washington State tree fruit organizations are mulling over whether they should merge in order to more effectively represent the industry. West Mathison, president of Stemilt Growers, Inc., Wenatchee, raised the issue about three years ago after realizing that the tree fruit industry could be more influential in state legislative matters if it spoke with one voice. An industry task force was formed to explore the idea of consolidating four industry groups that have some overlapping functions, particularly in the areas of advocacy and data collection and dissemination. They are: the Washington State Horticultural Association, the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association, the Wenatchee Valley Traffic Association, and the Washington Growers Clearing House Association. The consulting firm of CCR & Associates of Dallas, Texas, interviewed industry representatives and people who work closely with the industry, and wrote a white paper discussing the options for consolidation and points of consensus. Most people interviewed thought that the current organizations would not be efficient in addressing future industry needs and that changes would be needed, not just to save money, but to effectively represent the industry during changing times. The consultants identified four options: 1. Do nothing. 2. Merge the Wenatchee Valley Traffic Association and the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association. This is considered the easiest consolidation and one that could be accomplished by 2014. 3. Combine the WVTA, YVGSA, and the Washington State Horticultural Association. The consensus was that this could be achieved by the 2014 apple harvest. 4. Merge all four organizations into a single organization that would be "the voice of the tree fruit industry" and would have the mission of "advancing the value of all segments of the tree fruit industry." It was felt that a combined organization could be operating by January 1, 2015. Most task force members supported this option but, if it proved not possible, they wanted to try option three. Functions of the new, all-inclusive organization would include: • Advocacy: State and local government and regulatory affairs. • Member services: Communication and outreach. • Data: Statewide collection and dissemination of fruit shipments and pricing. • Education: Annual horticultural meeting, food safety audit training for growers, and sponsorship of farm worker education. • Collaboration with other organizations working on trade relations, market access, marketing, research, and other issues. Mathison said the white paper was just the beginning of the conversation. Each organization will gather feedback from its members, and the task force will meet again in the fall to compile the input. "The process is asking the question, 'What do you want to see?' and we'll make sure it's incorporated," he told board members of the Washington Growers Clearing www.goodfruit.com West Mathison believes consolidation will result in a stronger voice for the industry. House at their May meeting. "On the task force overall, everyone would rather see the four of us all consolidate, and you guys have the opportunity to help drive this process." Bruce Grim, executive director of WSHA, said he was already discussing with the YVGSA about how they could consolidate their lobbying efforts at the state legislature. "We're probably working more closely together now than ever before." • FRUIT AND VEGETABLE KERIAN SIZER GENTLE: Separates without damaging peaches, apples, mushrooms and fresh tomatoes ACCURATE: Precisely grades grape tomatoes, cherries, nuts, and small berries, maintaining that accuracy for larger products including cantaloupes and pineapple FAST: Thirteen standard models customdesigned to meet your needs sort from 1,000 lb/hr to 100,000 lb/hr SIMPLE: Effective but simple design provides a rugged, low-cost, low-maintenance machine at a high value to our customers. It can even be used in the field! VERSATILE: Specialized rollers allow for the accurate sizing of round products (potatoes, onions, and citrus), long products (carrots, russets, and cucumbers), and irregular products (bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic) KERIAN MACHINES, INC. 1709 Hwy 81 South, P.O. Box 311 Grafton, ND 58237 701-352-0480 • Fax 701-352-3776 sales@kerian.com • www.kerian.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER July 2013 27