Tart cherry crop smaller than estimated

The Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB), the national marketing order for red tart cherries, convened in Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 15 to calculate and recommend the final “free” and “restricted” percentages for the current crop year, 2011-12.

The 2011-12 cherry crop was smaller than originally estimated by USDA in June. Total national production was 231 million pounds of cherries, 36 million pounds less than was estimated. The smaller crop, combined with other adjustments made to adequately supply market demand, lead CIAB to reduce the recommended restriction percentage that was set in June.

Free tonnage is that portion of the crop that can be marketed without reservation. CIAB recommended that the final free percentage be set at 88 percent.

Restricted production is that portion of the crop that must be either retained in inventory or marketed only in designated markets. Restricted production was 27 million pounds. CIAB recommended the final restricted percentage be set at 12 percent.

Notwithstanding the smaller crop in 2011, there will be adequate cherries to supply the marketplace. The combination of this year’s production and last season’s inventories will supply handlers’ marketing needs for the upcoming year, according to CIAB.