The Washington Red Raspberry Commission focuses on supporting the red raspberry industry in Washington. Through funding research, they aim to advance the cultivation, harvesting, and overall production efficiency of red raspberries. The commission fosters innovation and development within the industry by financing research projects that address critical challenges and opportunities.
The grant program led by the Washington Red Raspberry Commission emphasizes the advancement of the red raspberry sector through research and development. Key priorities include: developing high-yielding, disease-resistant cultivars suitable for machine harvesting; improving management practices for pests like the Spotted Wing Drosophila and mites; enhancing post-harvest fruit quality and establishing labor-saving techniques. The program also focuses on soil health, disease management, and innovative cultivation methods to improve plant health, yield, and efficiency in raspberry production. Through a structured Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the commission annually solicits and funds research projects that align with these objectives, aiming to benefit the red raspberry industry at large.