DOUBLE THE IMPACT: SUPPORT THE DR. GARY CHASTAGNER ENDOWED CHAIR
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Help Secure the Future of Christmas Tree Research
PNWCTA is matching contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 to support the Dr. Gary Chastagner Endowed Chair in Plant Pathology at Washington State University.
The Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association (PNWCTA) is proud to support the Dr. Gary Chastagner Endowed Chair at Washington State University, a position dedicated to advancing research that directly benefits Christmas tree growers and the broader industry.
While Dr. Gary Chastagner is widely known for his groundbreaking work in plant pathology, his impact extends far beyond the lab. His research — and the research of the team he leads — plays a vital role in informing regulatory agencies, supporting sound policy decisions, and protecting the viability of Christmas tree farms across the Pacific Northwest.
Through the generosity of our members and industry partners, the PNWCTA has committed to matching donations up to $25,000 to help build this permanent endowment and ensure continued scientific leadership for our industry.
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WHY THIS ENDOWMENT MATTERS
The Christmas tree industry faces evolving challenges including pests, diseases, environmental pressures, and regulatory changes. The Endowed Chair ensures we maintain a dedicated scientific expert focused on solving real-world problems and supporting growers with research-based solutions.
WHAT YOUR DONATION MEANS TO YOUR BUSINESS
Your contribution to the Dr. Gary Chastagner Endowed Chair is more than a gift to research — it is an investment in the long-term stability, profitability, and credibility of the Christmas tree industry.
- Protecting Your Crops
Research funded through the Endowed Chair helps identify emerging diseases, pest threats, and management strategies that protect tree quality, reduce losses, and improve yields.
- Strengthening Industry Credibility
Science-based data ensures our industry has trusted, defensible information when working with regulators, buyers, and the public.
- Keeping Regulations Practical & Informed
Dr. Gary Chastagner — and the researcher who follows in this role — does more than conduct pathology research. They translate research into real-world impact by providing expert testimony and guidance to agencies such as the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), informing policymakers and legislators on issues that affect growers, and helping shape decisions related to quarantines, plant health regulations, and proposed legislation.
This advocacy grounded in science helps ensure policies are practical, fair, and informed by real production knowledge — a critical benefit to every grower.
- Securing the Future of Research
Endowment funding ensures the position remains permanent, so our industry will always have dedicated scientific leadership focused on Christmas tree production.
PNWCTA MATCHING COMMITMENT
The PNWCTA will match member and industry contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Your donation helps us reach this goal faster and doubles the impact of your support.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
Members can donate directly through the Washington State University Foundation.
If you are contributing by check, please include the WSU Foundation PLEDGE COMMITMENT form with your payment.
MATCHING PROGRESS
Match Goal: $25,000
Contributions received: $1,626
Match remaining: $23,374
Last update: 2/20/26 8:00am PST
Questions? Contact PNWCTA at [email protected] or (503) 364-2942
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