Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/751050
34 DECEMBER 2016 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com Industry groups lend plenty of opportunities for growers to get involved. by Ross Courtney I n Washington's tree fruit industry, three state com- missions, four federal marketing orders, numerous nonprofi t associations and a few advisory commit- tees all intertwine to create a network of industry organizations to support growers. All that representation, with their acronyms, sub- committees and meeting schedules, provide places for growers to get involved and learn — and similar oppor- tunities can be found in other regions. That's what Jeff Pheasant likes about his role as a board member for the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. "You get a better feel for what's going on and keep up with the changes," said Pheasant, owner-operator of Pheasant Orchards in Soap Lake. But there's more than board memberships. The groups usually have committees, subcommittees and volunteer roles that also need grower participation. The organization with the most variety of volunteer opportunities is probably the Washington Apple Education Foundation, the educa- tional charity for the fruit industry. The Wenatchee-based group relies on volunteers to mentor students, pro- vide job shadows, select scholarship recipients and send care packages to students. A quick look at the group's volunteer page on its website shows the diversity of roles. The foundation is overseen by volunteer board members, most of them growers, but the committees frequently need more bodies, said Jennifer Witherbee, executive director of the foundation. For example, up to 60 people partici- pate on the scholarship selection committee, spending about 30 hours each during the spring reviewing appli- cations. Volunteers on the student stewardship com- mittee help steer students toward career opportunities by arranging job shadows and connecting them with internships. Members of the investment committee help monitor activity and oversee the investment advisor. "Most of our volunteers would say it's very personally rewarding," Witherbee said. Pear Bureau Northwest often recruits growers to help distribute samples at in-store promotions, discussing the pears they nurture, said Kevin Moffi tt, president and CEO of the Portland, Oregon, nonprofi t that represents Washington and Oregon pear growers. Likewise, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, which represents the industry in state issues, often would like more help bending the ear of state legislators and regulators about agricultural issues during the annual Tree Fruit Day in Olympia, scheduled for Jan. 31. Staff members will set up appointments but would prefer farmers themselves do the talking. They make a stronger Beyond the board Getting involved Fruit growers have numerous opportunities to be involved in everything from policy setting to marketing decisions. Here's a rundown of some places to get involved. For those outside the Northwest, look for similar opportunities in your region. STATE COMMISSIONS are created and funded by growers but codi ed by state law. All are led by elected commissioners and have subcommittees that rely on volunteers. NORTHWEST HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL Lobbies on behalf of the industry in matters of international trade and federal policy. Several other industry groups have a seat on this organization. www.nwhort.org WASHINGTON APPLE COMMISSION Promotes Washington apples internationally. www.bestapples.com WASHINGTON TREE FRUIT RESEARCH COMMISSION Promotes and funds research projects. www.treefruitresearch.com WASHINGTON STATE FRUIT COMMISSION Promotes Washington stone fruits domestically and internationally. www.wastatefruit.com Check for upcoming research reviews, where commissioners evaluate how to dole out grower money on research. WASHINGTON STATE TREE FRUIT ASSOCIATION Represents growers and packers on state issues, compiles industry statistics and stages the annual meeting. Growers are generally eligible for free membership if their fruit is packed by a member warehouse. www.wstfa.org WASHINGTON APPLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION The educational charity organization of the state's tree fruit industry. The foundation's website includes an entire page about volunteer needs and opportunities: waef.org/volunteer Good place if board meetings aren't your style. CHERRY INSTITUTE Stages the annual gathering of the same name, scheduled for Jan. 20, 2017, at the Yakima Convention Center. Administered by the Washington State Fruit Commission. www.wastatefruit.com Volunteers always needed. YAKIMA POM CLUB Holds monthly networking and speaker meetings, 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month, at Zesta Cucina, 5110 W. Tieton Dr., in Yakima. Meetings open to nonmembers. Informal gathering, often over drinks. NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON FIELDMAN'S ASSOCIATION Likewise, holds monthly networking and speaker meetings. Meets at 7 a.m., third Tuesday of every month, Smitty's Restaurant, 1621 N. Wenatchee Ave., in Wenatchee. Meetings open to nonmembers. Arrive early if ordering breakfast. Check out www.nwhort.org/trade-associations-commissions-links for a comprehensive list of links to regional and international industry organizations. NONPROFIT ASSOCIATIONS TJ MULLINAX/GOOD FRUIT GROWER Washington Apple Education Foundation scholarship winners receive care packages — put together by volunteers — that include gift cards and treats.