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Since 1993 this report has been covering tree fruit and grape industry news stories important to our growers. This has been accomplished through open channels of communications with the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Washington Grape Growers Association, our land grant college scientists and USDA researchers Bob Larson host of the program has 20 years of news reporting experience and worked as News Editor for both KOMO and KIRO (the top radio stations in Seattle marketplace). Bob presents this industry’s information from an insider position talking one on one with the industries key newsmakers.

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Fruit Grower Report podcast

Mini WARN Act Fix

2026/02/04

Many would argue that Washington’s agricultural industry is overwhelmed with regulations at an extreme cost. But WSTFA president Jon DeVaney says it’s not just the financial cost of these regulations but the complexity costs.

Blemishes Are Beautiful on Pears

2026/02/03

Pear Bureau Northwest President, CarrieAnn Arias says nutrition is definitely a big part of their new campaign, but the other piece is about how pears look and normalizing the appearance of a pear.

AEWR Reform for Ag Empoyers

2026/02/02

Recent reforms approved for the methodology in calculating the Adverse Effect Wage Rate should be helpful for farm employers trying to manage their budgets in the coming years.

Apple Exports 2026

2026/01/30

Whether it’s tariffs and bumpy negotiations with other countries, the cost of transportation, or any other problem, trade is filled with challenges for agriculture.

Ag Labor's Big Needs

2026/01/29

The need for labor reform is not the only challenge farmers are facing today, but it is one of the biggest.

Politics and Agriculture

2026/01/28

Washington Post Columnist, Megan McCardle wonders what ever happened to trying to understand what the problems are and coming up with a compromise.

New Brand-New Plan or U.S. Pears

2026/01/27

From a new logo to new messaging, Pears grown here in the Northwest and around the country are getting a new, fun, fresh and modern look for consumers to enjoy.

Apples to India

2026/01/26

Washington Apple Commission president, Michael Schadler says one export market they’re feeling pretty good about, following some down years thanks to some hefty tariffs, is India.

U.S. Apple Movement

2026/01/23

Following two years of above-average production, U.S. apples are expecting another pretty good year, with Washington doing it’s share of the lifting.

Heritage Apple Bill

2026/01/22

Washington lawmakers are considering a new program aimed at at identifying, registering, and preserving rare and historic apple varieties still growing on small farms across the state.

Apple Estimate Update

2026/01/21

After a reduction of the apple forecast, Michael Schadler, president of the Washington Apple Commission, says there’s one thing he’d like to say about this NEW crop.

Immigration and Ag Labor

2026/01/20

Washington Post columnist, Megan McCardle was the keynote speaker at last month’s Washington State Tree Fruit Association Annual Meeting and immigration was a key talking point.

Governor is Listening

2026/01/19

We sometimes wonder if Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is listening to anyone but his Democratic colleagues. But Moses Lake Republican Tom Dent says he’s been able to connect with the governor on a number of issues.

Tree Fruit Day in Olympia

2026/01/16

Tree Fruit Day in Olympia on Wednesday, January 28th is fast approaching and if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time.

Washington Apple Logo Benefits

2026/01/15

Washington apples are the state’s most well-known crop, but that doesn’t give them immunity from today’s challenges in agriculture.