CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research brought growers, processors and scientists together during its annual conference Nov. 13-15 on the Oregon State University campus.

The organization had a total budget of about $2.3 million in fiscal 2023, said Inga Zasada, former research leader for the USDA Agricultural Research Service Horticultural Crops Research Units in Corvallis, which houses the center.

“We’ve looked at massive growth over the past three or four years and I think our future is bright,” Zasada added during opening remarks Nov. 14.

Zasada said 78% of the budget, or roughly $1.8 million, goes to research projects.

Last year, 15 new projects were funded out of 29 proposals submitted, Zasada said.

The top sectors for center funding are: viticulture at 37%, blueberries, 18%; and caneberries, 10%.

Zasada said a new modular research building in Prosser, Wash., with $700,000 in center funding, should open next spring. That facility will support USDA soil and weed research programs to help the viticulture industry.

Tara McHugh, Pacific West Area Director for the USDA Agricultural Research Service, acknowledged the need for more lab space at the Corvallis Horticultural Crops Research Units.

The issue was a repeated refrain during an open house celebrating the 50th anniversary of the research units at OSU on Nov. 13.

“This is the most crowded place I’ve ever worked at. They are in desperate need of expanded facilities,” said Joyce Loper, former research leader.

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“We would like to continue to get scientists in labs, but there aren’t places to put them,” said Dai Crisp, co-owner of Lumos Wine Co. in Wren, Ore. and the center’s liaison committee chairman.

Crisp, who leads advocacy trips to Washington, D.C., said there’s been discussion with OSU of building a shared facility to provide more space. 

“I think it’s highly likely it’s going to occur,” he added.

He’s also hopeful for additional funding to bolster invasive species research, primarily with insects.

Crisp credited U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon for “remarkable” support.

“Merkley has been a key person in the success we’ve had in the last several years,” he added.

Scot Hulbert, Washington State University associate dean of research, said in recorded remarks that his university is creating an endowed chair for raspberry breeding based in Mount Vernon, Wash. The focus will be on machine harvested, quick frozen berries, though varieties for fresh harvest also could emerge.

The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research stems from an effort in the 1980s, when growers, processors and researchers from Oregon, Washington and Idaho wanted a facility designed to help the berry and wine grape industries.

Funds appropriated by Congress were used to establish the center, which was completed in 1994 as an addition to the Horticultural Crops Research Units at OSU.