Dr. Karina Gallardo is a new Washington State University Extension economist from Peru. Scientists at Washington State University are working on many innovations for the tree fruit industry, such as new apple varieties, novel ways to control pests, and mechanization of orchard practices. But what will be the economic impact of such changes? That’s where extension economist Dr. Karina Gallardo hopes to play a role. “There’s a need to establish the impact of new technologies on cost structures and long-term profitability,” said Gallardo, who joined WSU’s faculty this fall and is the first economist to be based at the Tree Fruit […]