The Advisory Board of Orchard of the Future welcomes four new members. With their backgrounds in policy, practice, technology and research, they contribute to the shared ambition to strengthen international collaboration, exchange knowledge and accelerate the application of technological innovations in fruit cultivation. In this article, three of them introduce themselves. Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel of Washington State University has also joined the board and brings valuable practical expertise and experience with innovation projects in the US fruit sector.
Kelly McLain – Washington State Department of Agriculture
My interest in fruit began during graduate school, where I focused my thesis on the impact of changing pest management regulations on apple production in Washington. Since then, I have worked with the tree fruit industry on this topic for over fifteen years.
I believe in the Orchard of the Future approach because the only way to meet growing market demands, labor challenges and regulatory pressure is through collaboration and mutual learning. My involvement in OotF has already led to investments in grower-supporting technologies and has expanded my network within the industry.
Brian Pearson – Oregon State University
In early 2024, I joined Oregon State University as Director of the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center. My research focuses on the efficient cultivation, management and marketing of high-value agricultural crops. Technology plays a central role in this, especially in the areas of irrigation and nutrient management. Previously, I worked at the University of Florida, where I focused on the production and post-harvest processing of edible and medicinal specialty crops.
I am honored to be part of OotF and to collaborate with inspiring researchers and professionals in the orchard industry. The consortium’s innovative, forward-looking approach resonates with me. I greatly value the opportunity to exchange ideas internationally and work together on sustainable solutions for the fruit sector.
Patricia Hoogervorst – Phoocus (Project Coordinator Dutch Fruit Ecosystem)
My name is Patricia Hoogervorst. I come from an agricultural family. My father ran a greenhouse horticulture business, so you could say the sector is in my blood. I still draw a lot of energy and inspiration from working in agriculture, especially when collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange are at the core.
After earning my degree in Business Administration and Agribusiness, I spent over 25 years in management roles within the Dutch food and agribusiness sector. A significant part of that time was with The Greenery, where I was part of the management team for the top fruit division. Since 2014, I have been working independently as a project manager and team coach for a variety of clients, including the Dutch Fruit Growers Organisation and the Next Fruit 4.0 project, commissioned by Wageningen University & Research. Through this involvement, I became connected to the OotF programme.
I am proud to join the Advisory Board of Orchard of the Future because I believe strongly in the power of international collaboration. By looking beyond borders and connecting partners, we can inspire one another, exchange knowledge and accelerate the implementation of fruittech innovations. Together we can build a more resilient fruit sector.
Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel – Washington State University
Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel has served as a regional extension specialist at Washington State University (WSU) for over 20 years, focusing on perennial fruit crops. Her work centers on sustainable pest management, blueberry horticulture, and application technologies. She holds degrees in zoology from the University of Maryland and in entomology from Pennsylvania State University, specializing in integrated pest management and insect diversity.
Early in her career, her mentors encouraged her to explore sprayer technology—an interest that led to the development of an Extension program in tree fruit, aimed at improving how we use existing spray systems and assessing new innovations. Two decades later, variable rate application tools have been developed worldwide to reduce waste and increase precision.
Within Orchard of the Future, precision spraying is a key focus. Gwen’s program contributes by evaluating commercial equipment and exploring how it can be successfully integrated into everyday fruit growing operations.
Meet the full Advisory Board
These new members join a diverse and experienced Advisory Board that reflects the international and multidisciplinary character of Orchard of the Future. The board brings together experts from research, industry, government and technology to guide the strategic direction of the programme and ensure strong connections between innovation, practice and policy.
