Glass half full: Yakima cherry growers see opportunity in smaller harvest
The Northwest cherry industry is projecting lower volumes this season, with growers optimistic the tighter supply could stabilize pricing and improve profits.
Yakima Valley cherry growers are expecting a smaller but ultimately high quality crop this season.
Industry leaders like Washington Tree Fruit Association president Joe DeVaney tell the Yakima Herald-Republic the reduced harvest volumes may actually improve market outcomes for growers battling low wholesale prices and high operating expenses.
According to DeVaney, a reduced, more manageable supply is expected to support stronger pricing, better fruit sizing and improved promotional opportunities compared with the larger harvest of years past that can negatively pressure grower profits. And growers themselves remain optimistic high-quality fruit and favorable market timing will help offset lower production levels.
Cherry industry experts recently met in the Pacific Northwest and agreed on a season yield projection between 18.4 million and 19.2 million 20-pound boxes for the region. Both ends of that projection are significantly below last year’s haul of 21.4 million boxes. That same group of experts, known as The Northwest Cherry Growers board, said early reports from commercial orchards note “great size and color on the fruit,” with hopes for high-quality cherries across all varieties.
Source: Yakima Herald-Republic, “Smaller cherry crop estimate could be a plus for Yakima Valley growers”