Proposal would consolidate Washington tree fruit organizations
Proposal would consolidate Washington tree fruit organizations
Industry comment is currently being solicited to evaluate the feasibility of consolidating four organizations representing Washington's tree fruit industry.
"The public comment period will end on Jan. 10," West Mathison, an at-large member of the consolidation task force told The Produce News Dec. 5. "We [are looking] for phone, email and face-to-face comments."
Mathison, president of Stemilt Growers LLC in Wenatchee, WA, originally proposed the concept of a unified organization two years ago. An update on the task force's activities was presented Dec. 3 during the Washington State Horticultural Association annual meeting.
"The timeline is fluid," Mathison said, adding that the task force seeks to evaluate industry feedback during each step taken on a path to progress. The Jan. 10 date is the next milestone established in this process. Mathison said the next meeting date of the task force will be determined soon.
Currently, Washington's tree fruit industry is represented by four groups: Yakima Growers-Shippers Association, Wenatchee Valley Traffic Association, Washington Growers Clearing House Association and the Washington State Horticultural Association.
Mathison said the task force is comprised of 10 members. Each of the four associations is represented by two members. George Allen serves as the other at-large member representing Yakima, WA.
"The process has gone really well," Mathison said. "Overall, the feedback we've received is positive."
The task force is encouraging full industry participation in this formative process. "We want good participation from all sizes of growers," he added.
Mathison said the proposed consolidation would dissolve the four entities and replace them with an umbrella organization. If the industry moves forward, he envisions the new organization would be in place by September, when the 2014 apple and pear harvests begin.