Pear Report Part 2. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report.
Kevin Moffitt, with Pear Bureau NW has seen good and bad years when it comes to the northwest pear crop and this year's crop is really expected to be about average.
MOFFITT: Overall it's looking very good. I think 1% close to the 5 year average is very manageable. We've got a lot of good promotion already lined up for the next season and the domestic as well as import programs. And then on the other front we obviously compete with California pears for shelf space, especially in the domestic market.
The California crop is also expected to be down this year.
MOFFITT: Together, total west coast which means about 99% of the fresh pear crop in the U.S. we're looking at a 13% decrease in total production on the west coast this year versus last year and about 1% below the 5 year average.
Fruit production this year seems to be a bit on the down side especially with cherries.
MOFFITT: It looks to be a very positive situation for the supply and demand side of the issue and then I believe frankly with the economy beginning to perk up in some areas it could be a good season for the pear growers this coming season.
Certain early varieties will begin picking within a few weeks but most will not begin harvesting until September so there is still a long way to go.
That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.
