The virtual meeting format didn’t stop the Washington tree fruit industry from recognizing industry leaders with awards on Monday. Washington State Tree Fruit Association chair Sean Gilbert presented the Silver Apple, Silver Pear, and Distinguished Service awards. Rob Lynch The Silver Apple Award was given to Rob Lynch of Yakima, recognizing his passion for science-informed fruit growing, his advocacy for growers, and his leadership with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, Washington Growers League, and the Pom Club, Gilbert said. Unfortunately, Lynch died on Nov. 13 after a long illness, so his friend, Mike Taylor of Wenatchee, accepted the award […]