NW Cherry Harvest Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. Northwest cherry harvest is underway, and things are looking really good so far for growers and cherry lovers.
Washington State Tree Fruit Association President, Jon
DeVaney says things have been rough in agriculture recently, so this year’s cherries should help …
DeVANEY … “Having a good cherry crop will help when so many crops are having down cycles. You know, agriculture in general is having a difficult period where wholesale prices haven’t been keeping up with the input cost increases that growers have been facing. So, having a good cherry year will be beneficial for our cherry growers as well as the broader ag economy in our state.”
But as “price takers” and not “price setters,” DeVaney says we’ll wait and see …
DeVANEY … “We tend to be watching what happens more than we’re involved directly in setting those prices, of course. So, we get some indications through the Fruit Commission because they’re helping with promotions, but we’re believing that the overall fundamentals of the timing, size and quality of the crop should lead to good pricing for growers.”
And, DeVaney says our cherries have a reputation to uphold …
DeVANEY … “There’s other states where you can grow that crop, but like apples and pears, we’re the number one producer of all three of those crops. So, people do eagerly watch for the Northwest and Washington cherry crops in particular, both domestically and internationally.”
Tune in tomorrow for other markets our cherries might go to.
