History

The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research (NCSFR) was established in 1990. Nationally recognized for its unique approach of unifying organizations with a common goal, the Center is a consortium of Idaho, Washington and Oregon Ag Experiment Stations; USDA-ARS; and Oregon, Washington, Idaho grape and berry industries. The Center provides a forum for Northwest small fruits producers, processors and wineries to share problems, determine priorities and direct federal grant dollars that augment state funded programs to create research solutions.

Mission Statement

The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research is established to enhance profitability and sustainability of the small fruits industry in the Pacific Northwest through research in genetics, pest management, berry and grape processing, production/physiology, and wine.

Structure

The Coordinating Committee

• Oversees Center operations
• Conducts strategic planning
• Provides guidance to management
• Oversees peer review of research proposals

Government Liaison Committee

• Liaison to Congress
• Liaison to USDA-ARS
• Requests funding

Advisory Council

• Reviews Technical Working Groups reports
• Reviews priorities
• Provides forum for input by industry and researchers

Technical Working Groups (TWG)

• There are five TWG: Berry/Grape Processing, Wine, Genetics, Production/Physiology, and Pest Managment
• Comprised of representatives from industry, AES, ARC and USDA
• Review research progress
• Establish and review priorities
• Report to Advisory Council

Federal Funding

Members of the Government Liaison Committee travel to Washington DC annually to provide updates to Congress and the USDA on the NCSFR activities, and to ensure continued funding for the Center. From 1991-1998, over $2.35 million in small fruits research grants and six new USDA-ARS scientist postions have been funded by Congress.

A Virtual Reality

While the USDA-ARS building is a cornerstone of the NCSFR, USDA-ARS Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon. the true Center is virtual in nature, consisting of support, membership and research throughout the small fruit industries of the Pacific Northwest. There is no one facility, but rather a consortium of people, industries, programs and research stations working in unison to meet common goals.

How to Be Involved

Please consider becoming involved in this unique organization.

• Come to the annual conference
• Volunteer for committees
• Get on our mailing list for newsletters and announcements
• Call (541) 758-4043 for more information.