Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recognized Washington State University’s achievements in creating the popular new Cosmic Crisp(R) apple in his 2020 State of the State address.
A delicious WSU-bred apple crowned every desk in the Washington State House of Representatives, as Inslee delivered the address Tuesday, Jan. 14, to a joint session of the House and the Washington State Senate in the Legislative Building in Olympia.
“One of the best things about being the governor is shining the light on how great Washington is,” said Inslee. “I’m inspired by many Washington stories… I’m inspired by the development of Washington’s newest apple, the Cosmic Crisp(r). These Washington apples adorn your desks.”
Inslee went on to recognize André-Denis Wright, Dean of CAHNRS, and Kate Evans, interim director of the WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, who took over selection and release of the Cosmic Crisp(R) apple variety, WA 38, following retirement of WSU’s previous apple breeder, Bruce Barritt.
Launched commercially in December 2019, Cosmic Crisp(R) is the result of a 20-year effort at WSU to develop juicier, better storing and higher quality apple for growers and consumers. More than 11 million trees of the variety have been planted.
Learn more about Cosmic Crisp here.