Early estimates put Northwest pear losses at 1.1 million boxes
Early estimates put Northwest pear losses at 1.1 million boxes
KENNEWICK, WA -- A freak hailstorm that hopscotched around the fruit- growing region of Peshastin, Dryden, Chelan and Manson in eastern Washington on July 5 might have knocked more than 1 million boxes of pears -- roughly 6 percent of the Northwest's crop -- out of production this year.
Figures were still coming in as of July 15, and Pear Bureau Northwest President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Moffitt told The Produce News that there was "only speculation of losses of about 1.1 million." Mr. Moffitt said that an industry-wide forecast was being developed during the week of July 17.
However, he said that if figures released in June are accurate, even with the hail losses, the Northwest could see between 16.7 million and 16.8 million boxes of pears.
Last year, the overall Northwest fresh pear crop saw a sizable increase, up from approximately 17 million boxes in 2004-05 to some 18 million boxes. Mr. Moffitt said in July 2005 that the crop was exceeding the five-year average of 17.7 million boxes by 6 percent.
The hailstorm of July 5 could bring this year's crop closer in line with the average.
In addition to pears, growers also lost cherries and apples, with damage estimates continuing to come in from remote orchards. Greg Martin of the Northwest Ag Information Network said July 14 that U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) and U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris (R-WA) had contacted U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and requested that USDA expedite requests for federal disaster relief.
Figures were still coming in as of July 15, and Pear Bureau Northwest President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Moffitt told The Produce News that there was "only speculation of losses of about 1.1 million." Mr. Moffitt said that an industry-wide forecast was being developed during the week of July 17.
However, he said that if figures released in June are accurate, even with the hail losses, the Northwest could see between 16.7 million and 16.8 million boxes of pears.
Last year, the overall Northwest fresh pear crop saw a sizable increase, up from approximately 17 million boxes in 2004-05 to some 18 million boxes. Mr. Moffitt said in July 2005 that the crop was exceeding the five-year average of 17.7 million boxes by 6 percent.
The hailstorm of July 5 could bring this year's crop closer in line with the average.
In addition to pears, growers also lost cherries and apples, with damage estimates continuing to come in from remote orchards. Greg Martin of the Northwest Ag Information Network said July 14 that U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) and U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris (R-WA) had contacted U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and requested that USDA expedite requests for federal disaster relief.
