Sharp Drop in U.S. Tart Cherry Crop

WASHINGTON - Jun 19/08 - SNS -- Tart cherry production in the United States is expected to total 177 million pounds this year, 30% below the 2007 production and 33% below the production in 2006, according to the USDA.

Michigan, the largest producing State, expects a crop of 135 million pounds, down 30% from the 2007 crop and 29% below 2006. Multiple spring freezes and wet weather during pollination hampered fruit set in the northwest and west central regions. However, growers in the southwest region were more optimistic about the crop potential.

Washington expects to produce 16.5 million pounds of tart cherries in 2008, up 43% from 2007 but 26% lower than 2006. A mid-April frost in eastern Washington did not have a negative impact on cherry production.

Utah production is forecast at 12.0 million pounds, 40% below 2007 and 57% below 2006 production. A late freeze, cold spring, and a cooler than normal summer resulted in reduced yields.

New York is expected to produce 9.20 million pounds of tart cherries, 29% lower than the 2007 crop and 12% below 2006. Frost in the Lake Ontario and Hudson Valley regions, along with a hailstorm in the Lake Ontario region, reduced yields.

Pennsylvania expects to produce 3.00 million pounds of tart cherries, 14% below 2007 and down 42% from 2006. Freezing temperatures in spring reduced the potential for a large crop.

Oregon's production is forecast at 1.40 million pounds, up 180% from 2007 but 59% below the production in 2006. Cool weather extended the bloom period, therefore increasing pollination.

Wisconsin production is forecast at 200,000 pounds, 98% below 2007 production and 96% below 2006. Stress from last year's high production and dry summer, along with an early January warm spell and sudden freeze, severely reduced fruit production.

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