12/29/06 Wrapping Up The Fruit Year Pt. 2

Wrapping Up the Fruit Year. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. 2006 wasn't all about the rain and hail damage even though they were major events. A number of more positive events too place in the tree fruit industry and one was a milestone. The northwest pear industry celebrated their 75th anniversary. Kevin Moffat, executive director of Pear Bureau Northwest. MOFFAT: It is nice to have that recognition after 75 years. You know we believe we are still going strong and getting stronger as a pear industry. The Pear Bureau was formed in 1931 and it just shows how the Washington and Oregon pear growers have been working well together. A lot of cooperation within this industry and we're very pleased and proud to have 75 years under our belt and are looking forward to our centennial year. Meanwhile the wine industry was really making its mark with the rest of the world. A number of northwest wines received worldwide recognition during 2006. Also this year brought a visit from the South as Mexico's outgoing President Vincente Fox made a visit to the Northwest along with Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. GREGOIRE: I want to again extend a very warm invitation to you to come visit our great state and perhaps to come to. We would be honored to have you come to Washington State. 2007 holds a bright future for the tree fruit industry with new varieties and increasing yields. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.