Northwest Cherries Predict Strong Crop

Northwest Cherry Growers recently released a first projection for the 2016 crop. This year’s first estimates indicate a crop around 207,460 metric tons, or approximately 20.7 million 20-pound boxes. These figures are up 7% from last year’s 19.3 million boxes.

“It’s no secret that the West Coast is once again experiencing the warmest and earliest start to the season in decades, if not in history,” the report says. “Most produce crops are reporting progress ahead of normal; and sweet cherries in the Northwest are no exception. Some of the earliest growers expect to begin harvest between the 23rd and 25th of May. If the consistent weather continues, the Estimate projects nearly 200,000 boxes to be shipped by the end of May.”