Applied research.
Real-world outcomes.
The NCSFR connects growers, researchers, and federal funding to support applied research that solves real production challenges.
Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research
The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research (NCSFR) is a regional research organization that aligns industry priorities, USDA-ARS funding to facilitate research and implementation of outcomes across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It acts as a bridge between growers and the research community to ensure grower needs are identified, addressed, and solutions implemented on farm.
Supporting research across blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, grape production, wine processing, and specialty crops.
Aligned with USDA-ARS and federal research priorities, NCSFR helps direct funding toward the most pressing challenges facing small fruits and specialty crop production.
Three Core Functions
NCSFR serves as a regional convener — connecting research priorities, supporting applied projects, and making research outcomes accessible.
Fund Applied Research
NCSFR supports research projects that address challenges identified by the small fruits industry.
Connect Research and Industry
NCSFR acts as a bridge between growers and the research community.
Share Research Outcomes
Research findings are communicated through fact sheets, reports, and conferences.
From improving pest management strategies to increasing yield consistency, NCSFR-supported research directly impacts how small fruits are grown and managed across the Pacific Northwest.
From Industry Need to Research Outcome
NCSFR connects the challenge in the field with the research that addresses it — following a deliberate process from priority-setting to practical communication.
Click the toggle to see impact for researchers and growers.
Industry identifies challenges
Growers and stakeholders identify real production challenges facing small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops in the Pacific Northwest.
Priorities are set
NCSFR works with stakeholders to establish research priorities that reflect the most pressing industry needs.
Proposals are submitted
Researchers from universities and institutions submit proposals aligned with established priorities.
Projects are funded
Proposals are evaluated for scientific merit, relevance to priorities, and potential for practical impact.
Research is conducted
Funded researchers conduct their projects, with NCSFR providing oversight and communication support.
Outcomes are shared
Research findings are communicated through fact sheets, reports, and conference presentations for industry use.
How Research Reaches Your Operation
Research funded by NCSFR follows a path from grower-identified challenge to field-ready knowledge.
Growers Identify Challenges
Industry stakeholders — including growers — tell NCSFR what is hurting their operations. These inputs shape the priorities we fund.
Research Gets Funded
University researchers submit proposals aligned to those priorities. NCSFR funds the work most likely to produce practical, applicable findings.
Findings Are Translated
Results are communicated in accessible formats — plain-language fact sheets, conference presentations, and project summaries.
Knowledge Reaches the Field
Growers access findings through the conference, fact sheets, and project library — and the cycle restarts as new challenges emerge.
Why Work With NCSFR
NCSFR offers more than a grant — it connects your research to the industry, the region, and the community it is meant to serve.
Industry-Aligned Priorities
Research priorities are set by industry stakeholders. Working within these priorities means your research addresses challenges growers actually face — increasing the likelihood that findings lead to practice change.
Communication Support
NCSFR helps translate findings into accessible formats — fact sheets, conference presentations, and project summaries that reach growers and industry partners beyond the academic audience.
Regional Research Community
NCSFR connects researchers across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The annual conference and project library build visibility for your work within a focused regional community.
How Researchers Participate
From funding opportunities to sharing your findings at the annual conference.
Review Research Priorities
Review current NCSFR priorities to understand what the industry considers most important and whether your work aligns.
Access the Funding Portal
When a funding cycle is open, access the portal to review requirements, download proposal templates, and submit your application.
Conduct & Report
Funded researchers carry out projects and provide progress reports. NCSFR staff support the communication of findings throughout.
Share at Conference
NCSFR-supported researchers present at the annual conference — reaching growers, industry partners, and fellow researchers in one place.
Everything You Need to Apply
Four Focus Areas
NCSFR-supported research addresses the most important production challenges facing small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops growers in the region.
Pest & Disease Management
Research addressing crop protection challenges — including pest pressure, fungal disease, and integrated management strategies for small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops production in the Pacific Northwest.
Crop Improvement & Breeding
Research supporting variety development and genetic improvement to meet the specific environmental and market conditions of the Pacific Northwest small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops industry.
Production Practices
Applied research on cultural management, nutrient management, irrigation, and other production practices relevant to sustainable small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops cultivation.
Post-Harvest Quality & Handling
Research on post-harvest handling, quality maintenance, storage, and supply chain factors that affect the value and marketability of Pacific Northwest small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops.
NCSFR Serves the Whole Research System
The NCSFR connects the entire small fruits research ecosystem — from growers and researchers to institutions and partners.
Get Involved with NCSFR
Whether you are a researcher exploring funding opportunities, a grower looking for practical research outcomes, or an institution interested in partnership — NCSFR welcomes you.
