More Than $4 Million Invested in Pacific Northwest Berry Research

Berry production in the Pacific Northwest depends on a steady foundation of applied research. Work conducted at universities, federal programs, and collaborating institutions addresses challenges in pest and disease management, variety performance, soil and water management, post-harvest quality, and production system optimization across a range of crops and growing conditions.

From 2021 through 2025, the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research distributed $4,222,171 in berry research funding across four crops: blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry. The investment supported research conducted through USDA Agricultural Research Service programs, Washington State University, and Oregon State University.

This report summarizes NCSFR-supported berry research funding distributed during the 2021–2025 reporting period. The berry portfolio encompasses four distinct crops, each with its own production systems, market characteristics, and research needs.

Blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry each present different challenges for growers across Washington and Oregon. Research supported through this period addressed issues relevant to all four, with investment distributed according to the scale of each industry and the volume of ongoing research activity.

This report presents aggregate funding data and does not describe the scope or findings of individual funded projects.

Of the $4,222,171 total, $2,419,092 — approximately 57.3% — was directed toward blueberry research. Raspberry received $1,128,378 (approximately 26.7%), while strawberry and blackberry each received roughly 8% of the total.

The distribution reflects the relative scale of each crop industry in the Pacific Northwest and the volume of ongoing research in each area.

Across all four berry crops, USDA Agricultural Research Service programs received the largest aggregate share of funding at $1,928,236 (approximately 45.7%). Washington State University received $1,229,554 (approximately 29.1%) and Oregon State University received $1,064,381 (approximately 25.2%).

These overall figures mask important variation within individual crops. USDA had no strawberry projects during the reporting period, while OSU led strawberry funding. WSU had no blackberry projects, with USDA conducting nearly all blackberry research.

The institutional profile varied significantly across crops. For blueberry and raspberry, all three institutions contributed meaningfully. For blackberry, USDA conducted nearly all research. For strawberry, OSU led with no USDA participation.

Research funding is one part of a longer lifecycle. Priorities must be identified, proposals reviewed, projects supported, progress documented, and findings shared with the industries and communities the research is intended to serve.

Through this process, NCSFR helps connect regional research needs with coordinated investment and collaboration across institutions in the Pacific Northwest.

Researchers can review current funding opportunities and participate in the application process through NCSFR's research funding portal, powered by ARIEL.