State of Kansas finally gets an official fruit

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2644, designating Sandhill Plum as the state fruit of Kansas. The efforts to pass this legislation began in 2021 when more than 400 fourth-and fifth-grade students from 24 different schools participated in a process that included writing essays, sending letters to state representatives, and voting to determine what they believed should be the designated state fruit for Kansas.  

“I am proud of the efforts put forth by the students from Sabetha Elementary School and beyond,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Hundreds of bills are introduced each legislative session, but not all of them make it to this point. It’s a shining example of what hard work and determination can truly accomplish at any age.” 

Ten students testified virtually in March on behalf of HB2644 in front of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee. The students from Sabetha Elementary School who started this process were in attendance to witness this bill become law.  

The Sandhill Plum beat out the Red Mulberry, the American Persimmon, and the Gooseberry. More information about HB2644 can be found here.