Senate approves, sends Rep. Gloria Mendoza’s WSU heritage apple orchard bill to governor
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Senate approves, sends Rep. Gloria Mendoza’s WSU heritage apple orchard bill to governor
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Gloria Mendoza, R-Grandview, to preserve rare and historic apple varieties grown across the state is on its way to the governor for his signature.
On Thursday, the Washington State Senate passed House Bill 2525 on a 47-1 vote after previously clearing the House unanimously, 94-0.
The measure seeks to establish a heritage orchard program to identify and register historic orchards and maintain a list of rare and lost apple varieties across Washington. The program defines a heritage orchard as one containing at least five apple trees more than 74 years old or an orchard that includes at least one tree of a rare or lost apple variety.
For Mendoza, the bill’s passage marks a significant milestone as a freshman legislator.
“I am deeply grateful to my colleagues in both the House and Senate for supporting this bill and recognizing the importance of preserving Washington’s apple heritage,” said Mendoza. “Agriculture feeds many families in the 14th District, including my own, and apples are a proud part of our state’s history and identity. I’m thankful to everyone who worked with me to help make this new program a reality.”
Washington produces more than 60% of the nation’s apples, but many historic varieties have disappeared from commercial production as the industry has shifted to fewer, high-demand varieties.
Mendoza said the new registry program will help ensure those rare varieties are identified, cataloged, and preserved for future generations.
“This bill honors the families who built Washington’s apple industry and the generations of farmworkers who helped harvest those orchards,” Mendoza said. “By preserving these historic trees, we’re protecting a piece of Washington’s agricultural story and creating new opportunities for research and innovation.”
If signed as expected by Gov. Bob Ferguson, the heritage orchard program would be administered through Washington State University.
