Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/751050
12 DECEMBER 2016 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com Washington apple industry in 2000, we quickly realized the sort of approach and technological innovation we envisioned was much more broadly applicable — not only to apple producers across the coun- try, but also to other tree fruit producers. In fact, as the effort evolved, it became clear we were involved in a disruptive activity ourselves. Increasingly, specialty crop industries throughout the country, especially those dependent on hand labor, recognized their economic challenges were similar, and slowly terminal, unless addressed. While technological innovation alone does not guarantee economic sustainabil- ity, without its transformational power, we argued specialty crop industries could not possibly optimize production and handling processes and consistently deliver premium quality products to our consumers. Further, we argued for a public-private partner- ship with a team-oriented, systems-based approach funded via competitive programs through the USDA. We advocated that research and extension activities should address industry stake- holder priorities and seek complemen- tary fi ndings from industries themselves. We suggested emphasizing two scientifi c areas, both advancing rapidly via digital technologies: —Genomics, genetics and plant breeding. —Engineering solutions. Within those two areas, we sought to develop and fund initiatives with three goals: —Automate orchard and fruit han- dling operations. —Optimize fruit quality, nutritional value and safety. —Deliver information via digital technologies. This all took time. The full story of the road map itself is like a sausage: The end product is a lot more interesting than the process to produce it. Endless strategic sessions in less than exhilarating hotel conference rooms. Countless rewrites of documents. Regular visits to tree fruit commodity group meetings nation- wide. Travel through Congressional and USDA National Program staff offi ces in Washington, D.C. And eventually, some tangible successes, such as the creation of the Specialty Crops Research Initiative and the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. The Tree Fruit Technology Road map had a lot to do with that, but so did sim- ilar efforts among other specialty crop industries, with crucial support from organizations like the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, Northwest Horticultural Council, USApple, and the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, as well as Congress and the USDA. Projects like RosBREED and C o m p r e h e n s i v e A u t o m a t i o n f o r Specialty Crops were standout wins for the national tree fruit industry. Another tangible success, this one directly associated with our Washington tree fruit industry, is the WSU Tree Fruit Endowment. This gift, the largest in WSU history, has created an amazing legacy of industry partnership with WSU's research and extension activities supporting our tree fruit industry. Driven by industry priorities, these investments over time will provide a world-class research and extension base that will contribute to our economic sustainability in a competitive world market and help keep our fantastic fruit and fruit products affordable, accessible and health giving. The National Tree Fruit Technology Road map is itself a meaningful legacy. I appreciate the honor of delivering the 37th Batjer Lecture on behalf of the many industry stakeholders and research/ extension professionals involved. • Jim McFerson, Ph.D., is the director of the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center. ONLINE To learn more about the WSTFA 112th annual meeting, visit wstfa.org/annual-meeting The full story of the road map itself is like a sausage: The end product is a lot more interesting than the process to produce it. • Increased costs • Drift issues • Breakdown & repairs • Creates dead zones • Time lost to mix & refi ll • Herbicide resistance • Turn weeds into green mulch • Improve moisture & nutrient uptake • Weed between trees, vines, sprinklers & trellising • Weed up to 40-acres a day • Effi cient front-mounted design allows weeding simultaneously with any rear operation Lower operating costs by $5,800 per 100 acres per year* www.wonderweeder.com 509 539-1725 *vs chemical weed control. STUDY BY MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY