Education
The education efforts of WSHA focus on informing orchardists and shippers about issues and emerging technologies affecting the tree fruit industry. We partner with other tree fruit groups to host the leading educational conference for Washington's tree fruit growers and shippers.
The combined Annual Meeting and Postharvest Conference takes place each year in December. The meeting, which alternates between Wenatchee and Yakima, draws in over 1,400 industry members to learn about the latest trends and topics occurring within the fruit industry.
Political Action
WSHA represents the tree fruit industry in Olympia, working both legislative and regulatory issues. This allows us to voice the industry's views on critical issues. Protecting the tree fruit industry from unfair laws and rules, WSHA represents the tree fruit industry on legislative and regulatory issues in Olympia. We work with other tree fruit groups to identify priority issues and develop industry positions to offer smart solutions. The end result saves the industry time and money from unnecessary lawws and regulations.
WSHA works the legislative and regulatory arenas full-time, funding professional lobbyists, consultants and other experts to give policy makers the infromation needed to protect and promote the tree fruit industry.
The association brings growers to Olympia each February for our annual Tree Fruit Day. Face-to-face meetings with legislators are absoultely crucial for legislators to understand and hear our issues. Tree Fruit Day puts growers in touch with these key legislators and key decision makers.
The Hort legislative agenda is determined by the Government Affairs Committee. The committee meets prior to the legislative session to outline positions on critical issues. Issues range from water and salmon to unemployment insurance.
Communication
We use multiple means to keep the industry informed, such as:
- WSHA Website
- Hort Headlines, our weekly e-mail update
- Capitol View, during the legislative session
- Quarterly Newsletter
- Annual Meeting
- Tree Fruit Day
We also serve as a resource for reporters on key issues.
