NEW YORK STATE — In the western part of the state, the lack of rain may be too lacking. But in the typically wet Finger Lakes farming region, Eric Hansen was happy with it.

While the Northwest cherry season is likely to extend into September, crop volumes are getting smaller due to April’s cold and snow, said B.J. Thurlby, president of Northwest Cherry Growers.

Seattle-based FC Bloxom Co. has welcomed three new members to its sales team, said William Bloxom, an owner of the company.

The early season volume out of the Northwest should help cherry-focused retailers transition from this year’s California crop.

Grower-shippers who market organic cherries agree that the category plays an important role in their cherry programs.

Pears are skewing toward younger consumers and the Pear Bureau Northwest is designing media campaigns to speak to them, says Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest.