NCSFR Partnerships
NCSFR operates through a network of partnerships with universities, industry organizations, and federal agencies across the Pacific Northwest small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops sector.
No single institution can address the full complexity of small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops research. NCSFR works with partners across the region to make the research system work better.
NCSFR's institutional partnerships span land-grant universities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, industry associations representing growers and processors, USDA NIFA, and state departments of agriculture. These relationships shape research priorities, enable funding, and support communication of research outcomes across the region.
How NCSFR Partnerships Work
University Research Partners
Land-grant universities in the region — including WSU, OSU, and University of Idaho — provide the research capacity that NCSFR funding supports.
Industry Associations
Grower and processor associations contribute to priority-setting and help ensure research addresses the challenges that matter most to the industry.
Federal Partners
USDA NIFA supports NCSFR's mission through structural and funding connections that link regional research to the national agricultural research system.
Who Shapes the Research
NCSFR's research priorities are shaped by a Stakeholder Council that brings together named representatives from grower organizations, research institutions, and commodity groups across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
At each annual conference, new Vice-chairs are elected and current Vice-chairs are promoted, rotating between members of the industry and research community — keeping priorities connected to the people closest to the crop.
Priority Area Leadership
Blueberry, Cranberry & Strawberry
Chair: Dave Bryla
Vice-chair: Jayson Hoffman
Grape Viticulture, Wine & Juice and Table
Chair: Devin Rippner
Vice-chair: Karl Mohr
Raspberry, Blackberry & Specialty Crop
Chair: Chakradar Mattupalli
Vice-chair: Riley Spears
Wine Processing
Chair: Thomas Henick-Kling
Vice-chair: Gina Hennen
Why This Collaboration Matters
NCSFR's partnership structure ensures research priorities are not developed in isolation. Through coordinated input from industry, universities, and federal agencies, the system connects regional needs with research planning and outcomes.
Clearer Priorities
Industry partners help identify and review the research priorities that guide NCSFR-supported work, keeping funded projects grounded in real production challenges.
Stronger Representation
Growers, processors, researchers, and federal partners all have a voice in shaping the direction of small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops research in the region.
Research That Reaches the Field
By connecting priorities, funding, conference input, and research communication, NCSFR's partnerships support a visible pathway from research question to practical outcome.
