Washington State Tree Fruit Association

Agricultural Leadership Program

November 15 - December 20, 2024. Yakima, WA

Registration open!

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) will offer a bilingual (English, Spanish) Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) course starting November 2024. ALP is a comprehensive training program designed for farm supervisors and managers, which provides them with the knowledge and tools to effectively practice leadership skills that will increase their confidence and improve their job performance.

This three-month long program starts with 40 hours of pre-determined base courses (1 day a week for 6 weeks), followed by a period of leadership skills practice and graduation. Participants will graduate after they complete their program and give a final presentation, to receive an ALP Certificate from WSTFA and WSDA.

Some focus areas include:
• Communication
• Conflict management
• Leadership traits
• Delegating
• Coaching
• Goal setting
• Emotional intelligence
• Stress Management

When: November 15, 22, December 6, 13, 18 and 20, 2024
Time: 8:30am-3:30pm (check in at 8am)
Graduation will be on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Where: YV Tech, 1120 S 18th St, Yakima, WA 98901

Use the link below to register.
https://wstfa.org/events-calendar/ =343&id=20344&wid=601&refid=https%3a%2f%2fwww.wstfa.org%2fevents-calendar%23cid%3d343%26wid%3d1001

Participants must have at least 2 years of experience in a farm or packinghouse supervisory position to participate in ALP and must complete the entire 3-month training program to receive their ALP Certificate.

Registration will be limited to two (2) people per company. Please indicate the language of preference (English or Spanish) at the time of registration. This training is highly subsidized by the WSDA through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Award . Full payment of $600 course fee must be made at the time of registration. The registration is non-refundable. Lunch, course materials and refreshments will be provided each training day.

If you have questions about registration, please contact Joanne Rouse at 509-665-9641 or [email protected].
For questions about the program, please contact Dalia Ruiz at [email protected].

Innovation in farming is truly a team effort! We're grateful for organizations like Semillero de ideas, which tirelessly explore new methods to deliver the Nation's finest tree fruit to families worldwide. Together, we're cultivating a brighter future for all! 🍏🌍 Read more from the Tri-City Herald at the link in our comments.

Did you know apples are packed with powerful antioxidants? These nutrients help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and support heart health! Eat an apple today to enjoy the benefits of a fresh, juicy apple and to help support hardworking Washington State farms! 🍏🍎

Join WSTFA and Washington State Department of Labor & Industries on October 9th!

After some challenging seasons, it feels great to be back to a normal apple harvest in Washington State! Our orchards are thriving, and we’re excited to share this year’s delicious crop with you. Here’s to a crisp and bountiful season! 🍎🌳

With fruit ripening on its own unpredictable schedule, farms need to adapt to deliver fresh, high-quality produce. Growing the finest tree fruit requires a flexibility that goes beyond the typical workday, but current overtime rules can limit hours for farm workers. Other states have embraced more flexible options that benefit both growers and workers. Exploring similar solutions in Washington State can help us continue producing the exceptional fruit we’re known for. 🍎🍒

Washington’s top four apple varieties are all so delicious! Which is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know which one you’ll be grabbing on your next grocery run!

Reusable packing materials are a smart, eco-friendly choice, but they are taxed at a higher rate than less sustainable options. By raising awareness, we can encourage better policies that support greener practices. Together, we can make sustainable solutions more accessible for us and the planet! 🌍

🍎 From precision agriculture using drones and sensors to renewable energy installations, Washington State tree fruit farmers are leading the way in innovation and advancing the industry. Next time you are at the grocery store, select a Washington apple and you’ll nurture our economy, your taste buds, and your health all at the same time!

WSU Tree Fruit / Washington State University’s new, yet-to-be-named apple variety, a cross between Honeycrisp and Pink Lady, promises to be a standout addition to Washington's incredible fruit lineup. As Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says, "It will take time to see if it will live up to its promise." We're confident it will, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it firsthand! 🍎 Read the Cascade PBS article:

What’s at the core of WSU’s new apple variety name delay? The fruit, a cross between Honeycrisp and Pink Lady, will be produced exclusively by Washington growers and hit grocery stores in 2029.

🍏🍎 Washington generates billions in revenue from our apple crops, supporting 1,000s of local jobs from the orchards to the markets. By enjoying these homegrown apples, you're also supporting sustainable agriculture and strengthening our local communities!

Growing the finest tree fruit demands flexibility that goes beyond the typical nine-to-five. With fruit ripening on its own unpredictable schedule, farms must constantly adapt to ensure fresh produce reaches our tables. Our current overtime regulations often lead to fewer work hours for farm workers. Many other states provide growers and workers with overtime flexibility, and it's vital that we extend the same level of help here in Washington, so we can continue to produce exceptional fruit.

Washington apples are not just delicious—they’re packed with health benefits too! Here’s why they should be your go-to snack:

🍏 Fiber Rich: Each apple delivers 4g of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and keeping you satisfied.
❤️ Heart Healthy: Rich in flavonoids, Washington apples may help reduce your risk of heart disease.
🥗 Low Cal: At just 95 calories per apple, they’re a guilt-free treat that fits perfectly into any healthy diet.

Enjoy the taste of Washington and boost your wellness with every bite!

PSA: Stock up on Cosmic Crisp® apples at your local Costco this week: https://bit.ly/BuyCosmic 🍎

You can thank us later 😉

The 2024 harvest is here, and it's set to be a good year for our region’s apple crop! This year’s harvest promises exceptional quality and flavor. Washington's orchards are brimming with delicious fruit that showcases our state’s rich agricultural heritage.

Read the full press release for all the juicy details and get ready to enjoy the best of what Washington has to offer! 🍎 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/washington-state-tree-fruit-association-releases-2024-washington-apple-harvest-estimate-302219339.html

We hope you've been enjoying the exceptional cherry harvest this year. There are so many reasons to celebrate Northwest cherries. From heath benefits to their delicious flavor, cherries make our lives even better. Make sure to grab some at the store while you can. Your family will be happy you did! 🍒

🍒 Elevate your taste buds! Whether you're crafting a gourmet dish or enjoying a simple pairing with brie or dark chocolate, these juicy gems add a burst of flavor that never disappoints. Indulge in their deliciousness!

We're on a mission to produce the world's best organic apples. Washington state’s cool nights and sunny days help produce apples that not only burst with flavor, but also look vibrant and colorful. Head to the supermarket and add some to your cart. Your family will thank you.🍎

The 2024 Washington apple harvest is shaping up to be an exciting season for growers and apple lovers alike. 🍎 The star of the show so far? Gala apples! They are our most abundant variety this year. Enjoy their deliciousness while supporting local farmers!
Read more about this year's crop at the Spokesman-Review: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/aug/09/2023-washington-apple-harvest-starts-strong/

🌞 Summer is the perfect time to be active and enjoy the outdoors! Whether you are hiking, biking, or hitting the gym, sweet cherries are here to help! 🍒 Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, sweet cherries help prevent muscle fatigue and speed up recovery, so you can keep doing more of what you love. Fuel your summer adventures with the power of sweet cherries!

Reusable packing materials are eco-friendly yet face higher taxes compared to less sustainable alternatives. Let's join forces to address this crucial issue and promote a greener future.

Click below to access the Zoom link.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81441374309?pwd=4uIJeakwMhyBazFNHqtHJr84BzSI9W.1

Meeting ID: 814 4137 4309
Passcode: 496253

Cherries are not just delicious, they're also a superfood! These little red snacks are packed with tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin which can boost your quality of sleep and mood!

Farmers know the importance of resilience and adaptation. Just like our friends at Eight Row restaurant, who have chosen to close their doors to focus on salvaging their beloved orchards, we are constantly finding ways to nurture and protect our crops. Every apple, every pear, and every piece of fruit is a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into sustainable farming. Let's continue to support local agriculture and cherish the fruits of our labor. The Seattle Times

This Green Lake restaurant closed so its owners can salvage their orchards The last day of service at this James Beard Award semifinalist restaurant was June 29. The owners are returning to their Central Washington family farm.

Meet the New Leadership at Pear Bureau Northwest - Bearing Fruit: A Podcast from the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) We begin talking with WSTFA President Jon DeVaney about the new Pear Bureau President and other changes there. We also discuss the upcoming WSTFA Golf Tournament coming on August 27th. Then we meet Pear Bureau's new President CarrieAnn Arias and t...