Connecting Research, Industry, and Growers: The NBF–NCSFR Collaboration
Research creates the greatest value when it remains connected to the people and industries it is intended to support.
The collaboration between the Northwest Berry Foundation (NBF) and the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research (The NCSFR) helps maintain that connection. Together, the organizations support a regional research system that moves from identifying industry priorities and funding projects to sharing results with growers across Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
The NCSFR provides the research framework and investment that supports berry and grape research throughout the Pacific Northwest. NBF helps administer, communicate and extend that work across the industry.
Supporting The Entire Research Lifecycle: from Proposal to Completion
One of the collaboration’s primary responsibilities is managing NCSFR’s annual competitive research funding process.
NBF coordinates the Request for Proposals, advertises research priorities and deadlines, communicates with applicants and organizes the peer-review panels that inform funding decisions. Once projects are selected, the collaboration continues by tracking research activity, publishing funded project information and reporting on how research dollars are invested across crops, institutions and subject areas.
This creates a consistent process through which challenges identified by growers and commodity groups can be developed into research priorities, proposals and funded projects.
Making Research More Accessible
Research findings are often written for scientific and institutional audiences. Growers and industry representatives need the same information presented in a practical and understandable format.
Through the collaboration, technical project information is translated into grower-friendly factsheets and other communication materials. These resources explain the research that was studied, why the work matters, and how the findings may relate to production or future industry decisions.
The NCSFR website, searchable research database, newsletters, social media channels and ongoing digital updates also give stakeholders a central place to discover funded projects, researchers, program opportunities and research results.
Together, these efforts help ensure that research does not end with a final report, but continues into the communities it was designed to serve.
Bringing the Small Fruit Community Together
The annual NCSFR Conference is another central part of the collaboration.
The event brings researchers, growers, commodity commissions, suppliers and industry leaders together to review completed projects, hear progress updates and discuss emerging regional needs. NBF coordinates the planning and communication behind the conference, while NCSFR-supported researchers provide the scientific work and findings that shape its program.
The conference creates an opportunity for research to be presented, questioned and considered within a broader industry context. It also strengthens relationships between researchers and the people who ultimately apply or build upon their work.
Maintaining Year-Round Industry Connections
The work continues beyond the annual funding cycle and conference.
Throughout the year, NBF represents the collaboration at commodity commission meetings, reports on The NCSFR activities and gathers insight into the challenges facing growers. These conversations help maintain a two-way exchange: research information reaches the industry, while industry concerns and emerging priorities remain connected to the research program.
This year-round presence ensures that NCSFR remains connected to researchers, commodity commissions, growers and industry organizations throughout the region.
A Shared Investment in Regional Research
The NBF–NCSFR collaboration connects the different stages of research impact: identifying priorities, managing competitive funding, supporting researchers, providing funding metrics, translating findings and creating opportunities for industry engagement.
The NCSFR provides the foundation through which regional berry and grape research is funded and advanced. NBF provides the coordination, communication and industry presence that help make the work accessible.
Together, this collaboration helps create a more connected research environment—one in which scientific knowledge can move beyond individual projects and become a lasting resource for the Pacific Northwest berry and grape industries.
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Small Fruit Update Week 38, 2026
There has been a lot of replanting/rejuvenation happening in blueberry fields that have faced flooding over the last several years. I know we circulated WA options last winter but there has been a BC program now available which I wanted to highlight.
Small Fruit Update Week 37, 2026
It’s guaranteed you’ve received a notice of assessment with payment expectations for all the berry crops you grow from the different commissions/councils. Yes, I know, you’re burnt out, still harvesting, and the last thing on your mind is paperwork.
Small Fruit Update Week 36, 2026
The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is coming up more and more and we’re not sure what to think about it. AI is one of those buzz phrases that everyone knows but there is plenty of noise around how to accurately use it because it’s hard to really understand the impact.
Small Fruit Update Week 35, 2026
The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is coming up more and more and we’re not sure what to think about it. AI is one of those buzz phrases that everyone knows but there is plenty of noise around how to accurately use it because it’s hard to really understand the impact.
Small Fruit Update Week 34, 2026
There is plenty of nutrient sampling going on right now. As a reminder, the ideal soil and leaf nutrient testing window in caneberry is mid August and blueberry is mid to end of August.
Small Fruit Update Week 33, 2026
I spent one day this weekend hanging out with friends from outside the PNW. Like I do with every outing during the summer, I tote along a half flat of some berry or another because it’s easy and delicious. Clearly I’m taking the bounty of our region for granted because everyone was floored and raving about eating the blueberries I brought.
Small Fruit Update Week 32, 2026
The heatwave is upon us! Remember the one good thing this heat is doing is helping us battle SWD. I haven’t spoken about this particular concern for a couple weeks so why not provide you with an update.
The heat from the third week in July dropped SWD pressure last week. The incredibly dry conditions in the region are also helping drop the pressure.
Small Fruit Update Week 31, 2026
We’re in the down swing of harvest in most berries. I say this every year but it’s going fast. We have a glut of blueberries coming in right now and the price is dropping. That being said, I have a few suggestions for getting through the rest of harvest.
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