Another Large Pear Crop In 2014

Representatives of the Northwest pear industry have officially updated their initial projections for the 2014 fresh pear crop yield. Reports of a crop of excellent quality have been confirmed from all corners of the pear growing regions in Washington and Oregon, according to Pear Bureau Northwest, and the updated projection is showing a crop larger than previously forecast in the summer.

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The revised estimate, issued in mid-October, points to more than 21 million standard 44-pound box equivalents (or 462,000 tons) of pears for the fresh market. This estimate is larger than the five-year average 19.8 million, though smaller than last year’s record crop of 21.9 million. The Northwest pear industry’s initial spring projection showed a crop of 18.7 million boxes.

“With excellent growing conditions this summer, the pears continued to size well increasing the overall crop size,” says Pear Bureau Northwest President & CEO Kevin Moffitt. “Quality is also outstanding so the industry is looking forward to an excellent selling season.”

Harvest began in late July with the Starkrimson and Bartlett pear varieties. Anjou, Red Anjou, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, Forelle, and Seckel were picked from late August through mid-October. No significant weather issues affected the crop.

The top three varieties in terms of production remain the same as in previous years; Green Anjou pears are anticipated to make up 53% of the total 2014 crop, and Bartlett and Bosc pears are expected to yield 22% and 15%, respectively.

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“Compared to last year’s record crop, this crop is more consistent with the five-year average,” Moffitt says. “We’re looking forward to another crop of excellent quality and fruit size to meet the demands of the domestic and export markets. Our representatives across North America and around the world have a full season of promotions in place to help boost sales, and we’re looking forward to working with our retail partners in another successful pear season.”

The updated estimates for the organic portion of the Northwest pear crop have increased proportionally, showing a total of 1,098,711 standard 44-pound box equivalents (24,172 tons) of organic pears in the 2014 harvest.

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