Growers optimistic about cherry crop

RICHLAND, Wash. -- Optimism abounds as growers anticipate the 2009 Northwest cherry crop.

Growers from five states concluded during a Thursday meeting in Richland that the region may ship close to 15 million boxes this season.

Should the early estimate hold true, the region would be in the range of the record crops of 2006 and 2007 when shipments reached 14.7 million 20-pound boxes, according to B.J. Thurlby, president of the Washington State Fruit Commission.

The Yakima-based commission provides promotional support for soft fruits grown in the state.

The industry struggled through a difficult 2008 season with fewer than 9 million boxes shipped because of spring frost and a cool spring. About 20 percent of that crop was sent abroad.

"After last year when we had retailers disappointed, consumers disappointed and growers disappointed because there was not enough fruit, we are excited to have a crop to get to market this year," Thurlby said in an interview after meeting with growers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Utah.

One concern at this early stage -- almost a month before harvest -- is the crop is about a week late.

Growers are hoping for hot weather to speed the crop along toward maturity. Weather forecasts suggest they'll get their wish. Temperatures on Sunday and Monday are expected to reach the mid-80s before cooling into the 70s early next week.

Thurlby said the industry expects to have some volume of shipments available to retailers for the important July 4 holiday.

He said the industry should more than double last year's pre-holiday shipments of 2.1 million boxes. The heaviest volume of cherries should occur in July.

The harvest may start about June 16 depending on upcoming weather, he said.

Washington state is the biggest producer of cherries among the five states with an estimated total tonnage this year of about 120,000 tons. Total regional production is projected at up to 160,000 tons.