Strong cherry crop expected, industry association says

The early signs point to a healthy crop of cherries in the Northwest, says Tim Kovis, director of communications and events for the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Yakima, Wash.

“We are hearing from our members that, for the most part, bloom and pollination went well. There is guarded optimism of a larger crop — close to normal — with great quality,” Kovis said. “We experienced a cold early spring, but when the weather warmed up, the trees responded well. We are hearing that there wasn’t much frost damage, and the forecast is projecting a mild late spring and early summer which will be ideal for fruit development.”

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Organic fruit accounts for about 6.8% of Northwest cherry acreage and about 3.1% of shipments, Kovis said, as some organic fruit goes to processing.

The crop timing is behind a typical year, Kovis said, as industry leaders are about 15 days behind normal.

“Cherry harvest will be starting June 15at the earliest and, more likely, June 20," Kovis said.

Good volume is anticipated for the Fourth of July, he said.