NASS: Cherry Production Mixed Nationwide

Sweet cherry production is expected to drop this year, while tart cherry production forecasts are up year-over-year.

According to NASS the sweet cherry production forecast is down 27% from 2021 figures at 275,000 tons. In Washington, the largest producing sweet cherry producing state, severe cold weather in winter and spring reduced pollination and fruit set. In California, most trees received adequate chilling hours; however, frosts in February and March damaged the crop in some areas. In Oregon, cold winter with high rainfall and low temperatures reduced fruit set for the 2022 crop. A late spring storm slowed pollination with some growers reporting damage to blossoms.

Meanwhile, tart cherry production is expected to be up 33% from last year and 229 million pounds. In Michigan, the largest tart cherry producing state, the season started slowly due to cooler weather but progressed with no major freeze events. In Utah, as of week-ending May 29, bloom was 81% complete compared with 95% for the previous year. In Wisconsin, blossoms have progressed with no frost.

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