tree fruit

A proposed “Pollinator Paradise” license plate appears well on its way to becoming reality, thanks to the efforts of Oregon State University.  The proposal has created a lot of buzz across the state, as pre-sale vouchers are flying off shelves; and the “Pollinator Paradise'' plate could soon be available at a DMV near you.  OSU Associate Professor o...

In today's Focus On Fruit, Oregon State University shares the latest research looking to address pathogens.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com ...

Thanks to increasing labor costs, more and more fruit and vegetable growers are looking to rely on mechanical aid when it comes to harvest and improving efficiencies.   “A good example is in the Washington state apple industry growers are using platforms now where there are teams of workers could ride on the platform between orchard rows and move up and down that we don't have to lug around ladder

The Senate failed to act on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act last year.  We asked Mark Powers with the Northwest Horticultural Council his thoughts, and if he expects to see Ag labor/immigration reform anytime soon.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsqu...

Ask anyone in the tree fruit, berry or vegetable industries, they’ll tell you all about the high labor costs associated with their labor-intensive commodities.  A recent USDA study looked at those costs and what can be done to help producers with their bottom line.   “There...

In today's Focus On Fruit, we asked Mark Powers with the Northwest Horticultural Council to give an assessment of 2022, both the good and the bad.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...

Washington State University will start their Tree Fruit Days this week for growers and producers across north central Washington.   “Topics include pest and disease management, invasive species, climate impacts on pollination, discussions on agricultural labor, and evaluating emerging technologies,” said WSU Tree Fruit Extension Specialist Tianna DuPont.  She added this is a...

For the first time since 2017, the USDA has tracked the business of pollinators.   In 2022, paid pollinated acres increased by 5.4% for cherries, but decreased for apple (10.3%), peaches (48.3%) and pears (3.4%).  The price per acre increased 35.6% for apples ...

In todays Focus On Fruit, Jennie Strong with the Washington Apple Commission talks about trade and and exports as the New Year gets underway.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...

The USDA granted a conditional license for a vaccine to protect the country’s honeybees from foulbrood disease.  Earth.com said the bacterial infection weakens and kills honeybee colonies and has no treatment.  The vaccine was developed by Dalan Animal Health and brings hope for a weapon against a disease that regularly ravages colonies that are highly important to food pollination.   In parts of