Supporting One of the Region’s Longstanding Berry Industries
Founded in 1976, the Washington Red Raspberry Commission is one of the oldest agricultural commissions in the Pacific Northwest. The Commission represents 80 growers and more than a dozen processors, supporting an industry rooted in Washington’s 9,000 acres of red raspberry fields.
Its mission extends beyond promotion. Through marketing, education, and research, WRRC works to strengthen the long-term future of Washington’s red raspberry industry.
Research as a Foundation for Industry Resilience
For red raspberry growers, research is not optional — it is central to staying competitive and resilient.
The Washington Red Raspberry Commission and NCSFR have both funded multiple projects over the years to support red raspberry production, including ongoing funding for the WSU raspberry breeding program.
This kind of investment helps ensure that growers have access to improved cultivars, better pest management strategies, and practical tools to address production challenges.
Collaboration Across the Pacific Northwest
The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research partners with industry stakeholders, land-grant universities, and regional commissions to coordinate research efforts across the Pacific Northwest.
This multi-state model helps make better use of research funding, expertise, and direct stakeholder input — ensuring that priorities are shaped by the people closest to the crop.
This research is part of a broader collaborative effort across the Pacific Northwest, supported by NCSFR — ensuring that innovation is shared, scalable, and regionally relevant.
Current Research Priorities for Red Raspberry Growers
WRRC’s current research priorities reflect the practical challenges facing growers and processors.
These priorities include:
- Developing summer-bearing cultivars that are high-yielding, winter hardy, machine-harvestable, disease resistant, virus resistant, and suited for processed fruit quality
- Improving fruit rot management, including pre-harvest, post-harvest, and shelf-life concerns
- Advancing management options for Spotted Wing Drosophila, including approaches that target larvae
- Expanding mite management tools and maximum residue limit options
- Supporting labor-saving practices such as pruning efficiency, public-private technology partnerships, and harvester automation
Why These Priorities Matter
Each of these priorities points to a larger reality: the future of raspberry production depends on both biological resilience and operational efficiency.
Growers need cultivars that can withstand disease and environmental pressure. Processors need consistent fruit quality. The industry as a whole needs practical solutions for labor, pests, and post-harvest performance.
By investing in research aligned with these needs, WRRC helps turn industry challenges into targeted research questions.
Connecting Research Priorities to Funded Work
Growers, researchers, and industry partners can explore related NCSFR-funded research and fact sheets through ARIEL — A Research Collaboration Platform.
Researchers and institutions interested in future projects can also view NCSFR funding opportunities through ARIEL.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The partnership between WRRC and NCSFR shows how stakeholder-driven research can support an entire commodity sector.
By aligning grower priorities with academic and applied research, this collaboration helps ensure that research remains practical, relevant, and connected to real industry needs.
For Washington red raspberries, that means supporting a stronger future — from breeding and pest management to processing quality and labor efficiency.
Learn More About the Washington Red Raspberry Commission
To learn more about the Washington Red Raspberry Commission and its work supporting growers and processors, visit their official website.
