NWFCS: 2017 Turning Out To Be Good Year For Grapes, Cherries

As we conclude our look at the Northwest Farm Credit Service 2017 Outlook, we turn to wines and cherries.  Karen Witt, Vice President at NWFCS, said like many other commodities across the region, a cold, wet winter and spring are pushing the wine/vineyard industry back to normal growing conditions compared to recent years.

“Although some producers were subject to freeze and other winter damage in the vineyard, the broader wine industry outlook is positive entering the summer growing season. The wine industry is strong, with sales growth of 3% year over year and the direct-to-consumer segment is still cranking out double-digit sales growth.”

Taking a look at this year’s cherry crop, Witt says California’s record-size, good-quality cherry crop created a smooth transition to the Northwest fruit.

“Which is estimated at a record 24.5 million 20-pound boxes," Witt said.  "Due to the cold spring, the peak of the season is later than the typical Fourth of July holiday. Wind, hail and rain can cause quality issues for cherries; although storms have occurred in areas across the Northwest, no significant damage has been reported."

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com