Citing increased production by growers on both the front end and later in the season, The Oppenheimer Group is anticipating nearly doubling its cherry volume from the Pacific Northwest.

Jensen Farms, the Holly, CO, firm that was at the center of the Listeria outbreak tied to cantaloupes last year, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection May 25. The Listeria contamination and outbreak, which was discovered last September and subsequently linked to Jensen Farms, resulted in at least 32 deaths and a reported 146 illnesses in 28 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

As fuel prices continue to escalate with no end in sight, retailers of fresh produce are increasingly turning toward procurement of locally grown commodities to minimize financial impacts to consumers. Steve Carlton, produce coordinator for Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, spoke with The Produce News on May 18 and provided his insights.

Mild weather and great pollination will translate to an exceptional cherry crop for L&M Cos. located in Union Gap, WA. “Cherries are growing and have enjoyed a very mild spring,” Sales Manager John Long told The Produce News May 17. “Conditions have been great. “[There is] a very good crop load on the tree. Not too heavy, so we should get good size. Quality should be excellent since we had great pollination that was quick which should lead to even maturity.”

Conditions during the 2012 cherry production season are sounding a note of optimism among cherry growers in the Pacific Northwest. “[Weather has] been absolutely ideal so far,” said Suzanne Wolter, director of marketing for Rainier Fruit Co. in Yakima, WA. “We couldn’t hope for any better. Our mild to warm spring produced a practically perfect bloom and pollination environment.”

Tropical storm Beryl blew into the Southeast United States over Memorial Day like a lion but quickly lost its bluster. The storm system made landfall in northeast Florida Monday with winds approaching 70 mph. Those soon dwindled to maximums of 30 mph and Beryl drenched the parched region with a much-needed drink as it moved northward along the Eastern Seaboard Tuesday and Wednesday.

Growers across the region reported mucky fields that would slow ongoing harvests for a day or two as things dried out but no further damage.