U.S. Pear Crop Jumps 12%

WASHINGTON - Jun 9/06 - SNS -- Production of Bartlett Pears in California, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 440,000 tons, up 12% from last year but 4% below 2004, according to the latest crop production estimates from the USDA.

Production in California is forecast at 195,000 tons, up 19% from last season but 13% below 2 years ago. The Bartlett bloom period was lengthened particularly in the Sacramento River and Mendocino areas due to rain and cool temperatures.

The Lake County area is reported to have an excellent crop. Bloom in this area occurred after the spring rains and cooler temperatures subsided. Harvest in the Sacramento River growing area will begin around mid-July.

Oregon growers expect to harvest 60,000 tons, up 3% from last year but 5% below the 2004 Bartlett crop. Overall growing conditions have been favorable for pear production. The bloom stage progressed with few reported problems.

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