Cherry Estimates
I’m Bob Larson. Round 2 of the Northwest Cherry Growers’ Field Estimates is out suggesting a 2021 crop of nearly 224,000 tons, which is about 6% off the Round 1 estimates.
Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says that number is very similar to the estimated crop size produced by the roundtable meeting of growers across five states on May 19th …
DeVANEY … “The reports from producers around the region were that it’s looking like a very attractive crop, going to be larger than last year and not as large as some years previously, but a very good size crop that will be able to meet the growing demand that we saw last year for Northwest Cherries.”
That demand growth, DeVaney says has been good to see …
DeVANEY … “A lot of consumers have been choosing more fresh produce. A lot of people are focused on eating healthy foods that are enjoyable and those affordable luxuries. And, cherries are definitely in both of those categories, and so, as all of our tree fruits are.”
But overall, DeVaney says things look pretty good …
DeVANEY … “We’re believing that we’re going to have a very good-sized cherry crop for this year, always barring any weather problems, you know rain or anything else that could potentially come our way. But so far, things are looking very good for a good-sized cherry crop this year.”
That estimated tonnage works out to be about 22,165,000 boxes, with harvest expected to begin June 1st.
