Bartlett Pear Crop Sinks

WASHINGTON - Jun 10/08 - SNS -- Production of Bartlett Pears in California, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 382,000 tons, down 12% from last year and 11% below 2006, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Production in California is forecast at 175,000 tons, down 13% from last season and 12% below 2 years ago. Freezing temperatures in April negatively impacted the crop in the Mendocino County area. Growers reported that it was the worst freeze in nearly a half century. The Sacramento River district was not impacted as much by the freeze and was expected to produce a normal crop.

Washington's Bartlett crop is forecast at 150,000 tons, down 13% from 2007 and 9% below 2 years ago. Producers reported frost damage and unfavorable conditions during the pollination period. Temperatures during April, particularly during the period of April 18-22, dropped into the upper teens and low twenties in some areas. Areas to the north and south of Yakima experienced some of the lowest temperatures.

Oregon growers expect to harvest 57,000 tons, down 8% from last year and 10% below the 2006 Bartlett crop. A cold, wet spring has reduced production expectations.

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