Research & Impact
NCSFR connects the small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops industry with research that matters — identifying challenges, funding solutions, and making sure findings reach the people who can act on them.
Research only creates impact when it reaches the people it is meant to help.
The diagram below shows how NCSFR closes the gap between grower challenges and field-ready knowledge. Select your role — grower or researcher — to see how you fit into the research lifecycle and what NCSFR offers your work.
The Research Lifecycle
Five stages connect industry need to practical knowledge. Select your role below to see where you enter the story.
Click the toggle to see impact for researchers and growers.
Industry Input
Growers identify the challenges that matter most
Priority Setting
NCSFR works with stakeholders to set funded priorities
Research Funded
Applied projects are funded at regional universities
Communication
Findings shared via fact sheets, conference, and library
Industry Impact
Knowledge reaches growers in forms they can apply
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
How Research Happens
NCSFR manages funding, review, and research communication through ARIEL — a dedicated collaboration platform for deeper engagement with research activity and outputs.
Explore the Collaboration PlatformExplore Projects and Research Outputs
Browse past funded projects, fact sheets, and expanded research records through ARIEL's project library — organised by theme, crop, and research year.
Explore Projects and Fact Sheets
