Apple Citizen

Apple Citizen. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

He’s had a lot of awards over the years and as he approaches his retirement, Dr. Jay Brunner Director and Professor at the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, has received one last accolade, Apple Citizen of the Year.

BRUNNER: It’s a recognition of scientific contributions to the tree fruit industry and ow that’s been important obviously to help the industry and the also just the fact that you’re recognized by your community in a special ways pretty important.

The Apple Citizen of the Year is a part of the Apple Blossom Festival.

BRUNNER: Those are kind of unique awards that you wouldn’t typically associate with a scientific career so it’s a great honor to be associated with people like Grady Auvil and Tom Mathison and many others. It’s a humbling experience. I had a lot of fun with my grandkids in the parade so that was great.

Brunner will be retiring from WSU in August after spending 37 years with WSU and director of the Extension Center since 2000.

BRUNNER: I’m kind of phasing out my research programs and working on administrative stuff primarily. I look forward to having more time with my grandkids and playing golf with my whiffed travels as those things we enjoy doing.

Brunner has worked on a lot of different things over the years including recent work on the codling moth.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.