Fruit Grower Report

He may have announced that he'll not seek reelection next year, but U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse still has things he feels need to get done before he leaves office, like the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

H-2A reform

Recently retired Washington Red Raspberry Commission Executive Director, Henry Bierlink was awarded the 2025 Washington Raspberry Industry Service Award.

The Farm Bridge Assistance Program is to help row crop growers, but U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says farmers like him try to help his colleagues understand that specialty crops are also important.

The need for labor reform is not the only challenge farmers are facing today, but it is one of the biggest. Sara Neagu-Reed, Director of Production and Environmental Policy at the International Fresh Produce Association, says the Trump administration seems to recognize that.

Blueberry production in Washington state continues to climb with 2025 coming in close to, if not equal, to last year's record crop of 210 million pounds.

When it comes to ag overtime, Senate Republican, John Braun tells the ‘Elephant in the Dome' podcast that too many urban legislators can't admit it's bad policy.

Attorney Shawn Packer, a principal at JPH Law Firm, says the unionization of ag workers is one of the bigger problems impacting farmers in recent years.

Attorney Shawn Packer, a principal at JPH Law Firm, says the unionization of ag workers is one of the bigger problems impacting farmers in recent years.

Mike Stranz, Vice President of Advocacy for the National Farmers Union, says ag labor reform is more important now than ever.

Since its introduction five years ago, the Washington-grown Cosmic Crisp apple has proven itself to be the next big variety as its popularity grows.

H-2A reform is just one of many labor challenges farmers are facing today that need to be fixed.

Now that the Del Monte cannery in Yakima has closed, what happens to the Bartlett pear crop in future years.

The international Fresh Produce Association is a trade group with the mission of helping businesses at every step along our food supply chain.

It may go without saying, but technology is the now AND the future of agriculture with new equipment coming at an incredible rate.

If it seems like agriculture is always being targeted with new laws, regulations and expenses, is it because the ag community doesn't communicate the way they should?

If it seems like agriculture is always being targeted with new laws, regulations and expenses, is it because the ag community doesn't communicate the way they should?

Here in the Northwest, we produce nearly 88% of all U.S. fresh pears, but on the canned side, the August closure of the Del Monte canary left many growers holding the bag ... until the USDA stepped in.

The final numbers aren't in yet, but northwest pear harvest certainly saw a significant improvement over last year.

Northwest cherry growers can now look back on the largest harvest in six years, but it might not be enough to really celebrate.

Whether in Olympia or other urban parts of our state, there seems to be a big misunderstanding or ignorance of what the H-2A guestworker visa program is and how it works.

Whether in Olympia or other urban parts of our state, there seems to be a big misunderstanding or ignorance of what the H-2A guestworker visa program is and how it works.

More research to back up claims of the health benefits of foods loaded with antioxidants like red raspberries.

More research to back up claims of the health benefits of foods loaded with antioxidants like red raspberries.

Ag employers took a big sigh of relief last month after the Department of Labor revised the methodology for determining the H-2A program's Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

President Trump says it would be an “economic disaster” for the nation if the Supreme Court overturns his tariffs.

The Washington Red Raspberry Commission's new Executive Director, Gavin Willis took over nearly five months ago following the retirement of long-time leader Henry Bierlink.

Washington raspberry growers have to be happy with the size and quality of this year's crop.

Not that there aren't enough challenges for agriculture these days, exports and trade bring some of the biggest.

Not that there aren't enough challenges for agriculture these days, exports and trade bring some of the biggest.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on whether President Trump's controversial tariffs can stand under 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

La Nina has arrived and that means a winter with probably a little more precipitation and a bit cooler than average.

Are farmers ready for the future? Are they going to be able to keep up technologically with all of the changes in the way things are done?

Are farmers ready for the future? Are they going to be able to keep up technologically with all of the changes in the way things are done?

While the USDA has reopened Farm Service Agency offices with limited staff, economic relief remains stagnant during the government shutdown.

Recent changes to the AEWR calculations is welcome news, but WAFLA CEO, Enrique Gastelum says that's not the program's only problem that needs to be addressed.

If you have yet to make your plans to attend the Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting and Hort Show in Wenatchee, December 8-9-10 … wait no longer.

A new law requires employers to give 60-day notice when laying off workers to help with their transition, but is it intended for seasonal farm workers?

Farmers are looking forward to recent changes the Department of Labor made to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate and how it could impact their finances. So, any questions?

If you like the flavor of peppers but aren't a big fan of the heat some bring to your meals, Oregon State University has two mild Habaneros you might like.

Northwest cherry growers can now look back on the largest harvest in six years, but it might not be enough to really celebrate.

Honeybees have been dying off at a higher rate in recent years and many believe it's caused by things like climate change and the pesticides farmers use, but Washington Policy Center's Todd Myers, a beekeeper himself, says don't jump to conclusions.