OLYMPIA, WA — Washington lawmakers are weighing legislation that would establish a new program to help preserve rare and historic apple varieties still found in small orchards across the state.

House Bill 2525, sponsored by Gloria Mendoza of Grandview, would create a Heritage Orchard Program in partnership with Washington State University, according to a House Republican communications release.

Under the bill, WSU would maintain a registry of heritage orchards, provide resources to help preserve aging trees, and propagate rare and “lost” apple varieties for future backyard and commercial production.

Lawmakers note that apples are closely tied to Washington’s agricultural history. By 1900, roughly 20,000 apple varieties existed in North America, but about half have since gone extinct. At least 29 varieties once believed lost have been rediscovered in Washington, often on old homesteads or family farms.

The legislation defines a heritage orchard as one with at least five apple trees more than 74 years old, or a site containing at least one rare or lost apple variety identified by the program.

House Bill 2525 was introduced during the 2026 legislative session and has been referred to the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee for consideration.