WENATCHEE A record-shattering and largely unprofitable 2009 cherry crop left many growers with a bitter taste in their mouths for the one-time sweet crop.
Nobodys comfortable with the situation that happened in 2009, said Tim Smith, tree fruit specialist for Washington State University Extension.
This year, growers and industry officials are making sure everyone knows how to prevent a similar future. Tree fruit experts discussed the causes and consequences of the record-breaking crop during North Central Washington Stone Fruit Day on Jan. 21.
Approximately 20.5 million 20-pound boxes of cherries were shipped by Northwest cherry growers in 2009, with an estimated 26 million produced. The previous record was 14.7 million boxes in 2006 and 2007. With 6 million boxes estimated to be produced but not shipped, that means a lot of fruit was left to rot.
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