YAKIMA, Wash. (RFD News) — The Northwest cherry season is underway, and early reports point to a promising crop.
Growers are reporting strong size and color on the fruit, with quality appearing high as harvest activity ramps up across the region.
Washington State Tree Fruit Association President Jon DeVaney joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss harvest progress and the outlook for the season.
During his conversation with RFD News, DeVaney discussed how this year’s crop is shaping up following several seasons marked by weather challenges.
“We’re off to a great start. There is still concern because Washington is in the fourth consecutive year of declared drought. Our growers are watching their water supplies very carefully, but overall growing conditions are fantastic, and with our irrigation systems that should mean that growers who have made plans to lease water where needed will be able to grow beautiful crops and bring consumers the beautiful Northwest cherries they’ve come to expect.”
He also shared his perspective on California’s earlier sweet cherry harvest and what it could mean for Washington growers and consumers.
The discussion also touched on the economic importance of the cherry industry in the Pacific Northwest and expectations for the remainder of the season.
