More Sweet Cherries in Western U.S.

WASHINGTON - Jun 11/07 - SNS -- The 2007 sweet cherry production for California, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 287,000 tons, up 9% from 2006 and 31% above 2005, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Washington's production is forecast at 155,000 tons, down 9% from the previous year. Washington's cherry crop experienced a relatively cool spring in the Yakima area with some damaging frost in low-lying areas of the Lower Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, and Columbia Basin. Overall fruit quality is expected to be very good.

The California crop, at 92,000 tons, is up 119% from 2006 and 75% above 2005. Clear spring weather and above normal temperatures during bloom benefitted pollination, increasing fruit set. Harvest of Brooks and Tulare varieties began in early May.

Oregon production is forecast at 40,000 tons, down 20% from 2006 but up 40% from 2005. Frost damage in March and cool temperatures during bloom decreased fruit set in parts of Oregon.

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