Modest Upswing in Pea Output

WASHINGTON - Aug 11/06 - SNS -- U.S. pear production for 2006 is forecast at 835,310 tons, up 1% from last year but 5% below 2004, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Bartlett pear production for California, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 425,000 tons, 3% below the June forecast but 9% more than a year ago. Other pear production in the Pacific Coast States is expected to total 385,000 tons, 8% below last year and 2% below 2004.

Bartlett production for California is forecast at 195,000 tons, equal to the June forecast but 17% above 2005. The Bartlett bloom period was lengthened particularly in the Sacramento River and Mendocino areas due to rain and cool temperatures. Bartlett production in Oregon is forecast at 60,000 tons, unchanged from the previous forecast but 3% above 2005.

In Washington, Bartlett production is forecast at 170,000 tons, down 8% from the June forecast but 2% above the previous season. Cool, windy spring conditions, poor pollination and frost have hindered some producers' pears this season. Hail damage during June and a major storm on July 5 in Chelan and Okanogan Counties negatively impacted many growers' orchards, with some losing their entire crop. Throughout Washington, hail damage has reduced production and packout is lower than June's expectations.

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