Bartlett Pear Output Climbs

WASHINGTON - Jun 11/07 - SNS -- Production of Bartlett Pears in California, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 435,000 tons, up 2% from last year and 11% above 2005, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Production in California is forecast at 210,000 tons, up 6% from last season and 27% above 2 years ago. Weather conditions were nearly ideal during the blooming period. Farmers in all pear tree growing districts reported full trees with evenly ripening fruit. Harvest is expected to begin around the middle of July.

Oregon growers expect to harvest 65,000 tons, up 8% from last year and 12% above the 2005 Bartlett crop. Overall growing conditions have been favorable for pear growth and development. Bloom came and went without many problems. Reporters indicated they expect Bartlett production along the Washington border and in southern Oregon to be better than in recent years.

Washington's Bartlett crop is forecast at 160,000 tons, down 4% from both the 2006 and 2005 seasons. The crop size was somewhat moderated by a cool spring. April frosts and poor pollination hindered some orchards. However, a good snowpack should provide adequate irrigation water throughout the season.

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