Pullman, Washington, USA
July 7, 2025
Scientists at Washington State University’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC) have received a new $500,000 pledge from AgWest Farm Credit supporting enhanced greenhouse and research capacity through the new Plant Growth Facility.
The planned $18.2 million facility will replace aging infrastructure at TFREC, enabling state-of-the-art capabilities for year-round research.
“As a leader in advancing agriculture, AgWest has once again demonstrated its commitment to tree fruit production by helping us conduct cutting-edge research here in Washington,” said Scot Hulbert, acting dean for the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
AgWest Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative with more than a century of experience serving farmers, ranchers, timber harvesters, and aquatic producers throughout the western U.S.
“This investment demonstrates AgWest’s commitment to championing agriculture,” said Bill Perry, president and CEO of AgWest. “The new facility will offer long-lasting benefits for growers, attract top-tier scientists and expand research capabilities. AgWest is honored to support Washington State University and help advance the tree fruit industry and its success for generations to come.”
This investment demonstrates AgWest’s commitment to championing agriculture. … AgWest is honored to support Washington State University and help advance the tree fruit industry and its success for generations to come.
Bill Perry, president and CEO
AgWest Farm Credit
Located in the heart of the industry, the new Plant Growth Facility will enable innovation in plant breeding, growth, harvest, and post-harvest practices that will keep tree fruit as a mainstay of the central Washington economy.
Featuring controlled environments that enable scientists to study plant growth, pest resistance, and environmental stressors in new and advanced ways, the new facility is an investment in the future of Washington state’s $10 billion tree fruit industry. Its modern growth and research spaces are expected to accelerate cultivar development, advance pest management strategies, and optimize production methods for apples, pears, and other high-value fruit crops.
Scientists at TFREC have benefited from AgWest’s past support for research.
“With their generous help, we’ve modernized our postharvest and fruit handling and storage capabilities,” said Lee Kalcsits, TFREC Research Team Lead and Endowed Chair of Environmental Tree Fruit Physiology and Management. “Now, with this gift, we are one step closer to a new facility which will support research and Extension programs dedicated to tree fruit. These facilities will promote collaboration, help us attract talented personnel, and allow us to better serve our industry partners.”
WSU continues to seek private support to fully fund the Plant Growth Facility, with approximately $2.6 million in philanthropic contributions still needed to complete the project. Contributions to this initiative will ensure that Washington’s tree fruit industry remains a global leader in innovation, productivity, and sustainability.
For more information about the Plant Growth Facility and how to support this initiative, please visit the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center website or contact the WSU CAHNRS Development team at 509-335-2959.
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