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Cherry harvest starts - forecast of decreased crop
United States
Tuesday 05 June 2007
The harvest of Washington cherries is expected to begin next week, with state officials expecting a harvest about 10 % smaller than last year's crop.
It will be the first decline in the state's cherry harvest since 2002 but the second-highest harvest in state history.
In 2006, the cherry crop was 162.923 tons, according to the Washington State Fruit Commission. The estimate for 2007 is 146.000 tons.
"It's a bit down from last year but the quality will be great," said Andrew Willis, spokesman for the Yakima-based Northwest Cherry Growers.
Willis said the decline could be attributed to growers pruning more trees in the off-season and some early cold weather with an early freeze.
Peak shipments of cherries will be in mid-June, according to the cherry growers group.
It will be the first decline in the state's cherry harvest since 2002 but the second-highest harvest in state history.
In 2006, the cherry crop was 162.923 tons, according to the Washington State Fruit Commission. The estimate for 2007 is 146.000 tons.
"It's a bit down from last year but the quality will be great," said Andrew Willis, spokesman for the Yakima-based Northwest Cherry Growers.
Willis said the decline could be attributed to growers pruning more trees in the off-season and some early cold weather with an early freeze.
Peak shipments of cherries will be in mid-June, according to the cherry growers group.
