Bill > HB2525

This bill establishes a "heritage orchard program" in Washington State, recognizing the historical significance of apples and the alarming loss of apple varieties since 1900, with some "lost apples" being rediscovered by dedicated Washingtonians. The program, to be managed by Washington State University (WSU), will maintain a registry of heritage orchards, defined as either orchards with at least five apple trees over 74 years old or orchards containing at least one tree of a rare or lost apple variety, and will also develop and maintain a list of these rare and lost apple varieties. This initiative aims to conserve these rare apple types and preserve a piece of Washington's history, but it will only take effect if specific funding is provided by June 30, 2026, through the state's main budget act.