WENATCHEE, Wash. — Scientists in Washington State University’s tree fruit research program joined Washington fruit growers to celebrate the midpoint of construction of WSU’s state-of-the-art Plant Growth Facility.
Held Monday, Oct. 26, the Plant Growth Facility Construction Milestone Celebration was the first event commemorating a project decades in the making at the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center. A larger dedication is planned for 2027, once construction is finished.
Replacing 70-year-old greenhouses, the new building is designed to meet needs for space and precision environmental controls necessary for modern plant sciences research.
“This new facility equips us to answer the tree fruit industry’s pressing questions,” said Lee Kalcsits, TFREC Director. “Questions like how can Washington orchards best survive extreme conditions and tougher pests and diseases, or how temperatures affect all aspects of the tree fruit production cycle. These facilities will also help support WSU’s apple scion and pear rootstock breeding programs.”
Construction of the $18 million, 24,000-square-foot facility began this April. The building is expected to open in summer 2027.
When finished, it will serve WSU tree fruit programs, including breeding, tree and environmental physiology, pests and diseases, and tree fruit Extension, as well as U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists engaged in whole-plant research, pear genetics, and plant pathology.
“Reaching the halfway point in construction of the Plant Growth Facility is an important milestone in realizing a vision that began nearly two decades ago,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “Thanks to the commitment of Washington’s tree fruit industry, state leaders, and dedicated supporters, this world-class facility will enable scientists to address emerging challenges, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the future competitiveness of our industry.”
The project is supported by a $10 million allocation from the Washington State Legislature’s 2025–27 capital budget. The Northwest Nursery Improvement Institute, AgWest Farm Credit, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, Yakima POM Club, Mike and Kathy Hambelton, Rainier Fruit Company, H.R. Spinner, Stemilt Growers, and other industry partners have pledged more than $1.7 million to aid the project. The remaining costs come from royalties from WSU’s Cosmic Crisp® apple variety, WA 38.
The milestone celebration included a tour of the building in progress and remarks by Khosla, Kalcsits, and partners from the Washington tree fruit industry as well as the architect and builder.
Learn more about the facility at the project website.
