“Growing forward, solutions for current and future challenges,”

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) will host the 111th Annual Meeting and NW Hort Expo at the Yakima Convention Center and SunDome on December 7, 8 & 9th. It has been almost one year since four tree fruit industry associations merged to form the WSTFA. Although the name is new, the Annual Meeting will continue the tradition of hosting the largest tree fruit educational gathering in the country.

The three day event serves as a forum to discuss the latest trends and hot topics within the tree fruit industry. This year’s theme, “Growing Forward – Solutions for Current and Future Challenges,” covers topics of interest including: drought, market conditions, food safety and more. The goal behind this year’s theme is not only to discuss the challenges within the industry, but to identify strategies and solutions to overcome them. The keynote speaker, Peter Zeihan, a geopolitical strategist, will cover both economic and demographic trends affecting tree fruit growers, packers and marketers in his Batjer address titled, “Approaching the American Age.”

For full meeting information, including the program guide, events, registration forms and lodging information, visit the WSTFA website at www.wstfa.org.