07/29/05 Processed Pear Comm.research funding,Pt.2

There was never any doubt among those working on the newly formed federal marketing orders, the Fresh Pear and Processed Pear Committees, that there wouldn't be agreement with the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission to develop a plan that would continue to collect assessments for pear research. WOODIN: It was great working with Jim McPherson and his group and we were able to work this out. Dick Woodin is a board member of the Processed Pear Committee. He says while the 3.1 cent per box research assessment fits current funding levels for the Tree Fruit Research Commission, the difference is how Washington and Oregon growers will now pay assessments, with all paying the 3.1 cent collection rate. WOODIN: And this does end up being a fair reduction to the Washington grower. The Oregon guys are going to pay more than they use to. One break for all growers is no assessment of off-line product. WOODIN: Anjou pears that are worth $20 dollars a ton already & it seemed kind of strange to be paying another buck a ton on those. A Pear Research subcommittee made up of fifteen members will oversee the collection and use of research assessments. And Woodin says the leadership for the Subcommittee will have some legendary shoes to fill as an advocate of pear research. WOODIN: Ray Schmitten has agreed to come on board and handle some of the functions that George Ing had in the past. Ray has agreed to be the new Research Subcommittee chairman.