Tart Cherry Production Sinks

WASHINGTON - Jul 1/02 - SNS -- Tart cherry production in the United States is expected to sink 84% to 59.1 million pounds, the smallest harvest since 1943 when 40.8 million pounds were produced, according to the latest USDA production report.

Nearly all the decrease is accounted for by Michigan, where production will plunge from last year's 297 million pound harvest to just 15.0 million pounds. This year's harvest is down 95% from last year and 92% below 2000.

The USDA said unusual spring weather devastated the Michigan tart cherry crop. The State received three days of temperature above 80 degrees in mid April which pushed the trees into budding. In the Northwest, this was followed by a "wind freeze" that damaged the high ground trees. This freeze event was followed by several inversion frosts that damaged trees in the lower areas.

The West Central crop was damaged by the April weather and additionally was damaged by a late May freeze where temperatures were as low as 24 degrees. Combined these two areas had over 11 days with below freezing temperatures. In addition cold, wet conditions during most of April and May severely limited pollination in all districts further reducing fruit set.

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