Producers in the Pacific Northwest are the nation’s primary pipeline for many varieties of fruit and this year’s harvest is projected to yield superior weights to the 2013 season.
According to the Aug. 12 NASS Regional Fruit Production report, the region is looking at potential increases in apples, grapes, and pears.
Apples
Washington is forecasted to produce over 60 percent of the nation’s apple crop this year, increasing its production from 5,950 million pounds in 2013 to 6,800 million pounds this year.
Oregon is expecting an increase of 18 million pounds of apples, from 141 million pounds in 2013 to 159 million pounds this year.
Idaho is losing some production, with poundage expected to fall from 72 million pounds last year, to 68 million pounds this year.
Grapes
Washington and Oregon are expected to both enjoy larger grape harvests this year. Washington is forecasted to increase their overall pounds to 445,000 tons in 2014, up 55,000 tons from a year ago. This includes increases in both wine grapes (from 210,000 tons in 2013 to 230,000 tons this year), and juice grapes (from 180,000 tons last year to 215,000 tons this year). Meanwhile Oregon’s production of 53,000 tons is up 4,000 tons from a year ago.
Pears
Oregon is expecting an increase in Bartlett and other pears, while Washington is projected to decrease its production.
In Oregon, producers are forecasted to harvest 56,000 tons of Bartletts (up 1,000 tons from a year ago), and 154,000 tons of other pears (up from 152,000 tons from last year).
Washington’s production of Barletts is estimated to slip by 46,000 tons – from 417,000 tons last year to 371,000 this year. Other pears are projected to decrease from 444,000 tons last year to 417,000 tons this year. Overall, Oregon at 26 percent, and Washington at 48 percent, are expected to account for about 75 percent of the nation’s pears.
Peaches
With high temperatures causing some questions about quality, Washington peach production is expected to increase by about 600 tons from last year – from 13,100 tons to 13,700 tons. Idaho’s production is forecasted to decrease from 6,100 tons in 2013 to 5,700 tons this year.
