A good growing season with favorable weather is one of the reasons pear growers in Washington and Oregon are expecting good volume this year. Harvest, which begins in August, is expected to, once again, bring above-average production.Pear Bureau Northwest, a non-profit organization that promotes and markets pears grown in Washington and Oregon, has estimated that pear production in those two states will reach 19.3 million boxes, or 424,080 tons. Although that's smaller than last year's crop, production from last season was the highest the region had ever experienced, and this year's estimated output is still two percent higher than the five-year average. So if estimates hold true, this year will be another successful one in terms of volume.
“We've just had good weather conditions,” said Cristie Mather, director of communications for the Pear Bureau Northwest. She noted that those favorable conditions are probably a big part of the projected success of this year's season. “There have been no significant weather issues and we're still on track to have a good-sized crop.”
The start to this year's harvest is expected to be on time, which is different from last year when picking started about a week later than normal. The top varieties grown are expected to be Green Anjou, Bartlett and Bosc pears. Quality is also expected to be excellent, and paired with a good, manageable crop, growers are anticipating a favorable harvest.
“The size of this year's crop looks like it will be just right,” said Mather. “So we're looking forward to a positive season.”