Sharp Drop in Sweet Cherry Harvest

WASHINGTON - Jun 10/08 - SNS -- The combined 2008 sweet cherry production for California, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 221,000 tons, down 24% from 2007 and 17% below 2006, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Washington's production is forecast at 100,000 tons, down 41% from the previous year. A mid-April frost and poor pollination during bloom impacted a large portion of the crop, especially the earlier varieties.

Oregon fared somewhat better, where production is forecast at 35,000 tons, unchanged from 2007. The frost affected some growers in Wasco and Hood River Counties, however, the loss was partially offset by new bearing acres this year. Growers in the Willamet Valley region expect a smaller crop.

California production is forecast at 86,000 tons, up 1% from 2007. Temperate weather, along with reports of good fruit size, led to the increase in expected production.

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