Grower funds are utilized to proactively address arising production related issues. Issues range from orchard management, integrated pest management (IPM), farm advisor research support, variety and rootstock breeding, plant pathology and nematology, and entomology. The research presentations are a part of the roll out of emerging research and practical applications of the research with the intent of providing short- and long-term solutions to advance orchard profitability, industry competitiveness and staying power.