Pear Production Up 9%

By Growing Produce Staff|August 16, 2011

U.S. pear production for 2011 is forecast at 888,300 tons, up 9% from last year. Bartlett pear production for California, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 414,000 tons, 8% above a year ago. Other pear production in the Pacific Coast States is expected to total 457,000 tons, 10% above last year. In California, a cooler than average spring set fruit development slightly behind normal and delayed the start of harvest by one to two weeks.

The Bartlett pear harvest began in the Sacramento Valley in the latter half of July. Harvest was expected to start soon in the Lake and Mendocino regions. Harvest of other pears began in late July, as well.

Spring conditions in eastern Washington were cooler and wetter than normal. Yakima had its second-wettest May in more than 100 years. Most growers reported a good bloom and adequate pollination and fruit set this year.

Fruit quality was reported to be excellent with no significant issues affecting the crop. In Oregon, freezing temperatures in November 2010, a freeze in late February, and a cool, wet spring all hindered this season’s crop. Extended cool, wet weather limited pear size and delayed harvest one to two weeks. However, favorable summer growing conditions have led to expectations of a crop larger than last season. Across New York, early season rains were followed by hot weather in July. In the Lake Ontario fruit region, growers were expecting a good crop. In the Hudson Valley, growers indicated the crop will be better than a year ago.

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