California is witnessing a large harvest of cherries. “It’s one of the largest harvests we’ve had in the industry. It’s also a high-quality crop,” says Joe Cataldo of J&M Farms and Delta Packing Co. of Lodi, California. “The problem is that much of it is compressed.”
Although the season is delayed by a few days, California growers are aware that Washington, the next key region for cherry production on the West Coast, is ahead of schedule. “So there’s a rush to get into the market before Washington starts producing, which usually reduces the value of the crop,” he explains.
While some light harvests began at the end of April, the heavier harvests will start in the Lodi region at the end of this week and are expected to continue until around June 14.
As for demand, the environment is difficult right now, says Cataldo. “Cherries are still somewhat of a luxury item, and we’re in an economy where people are careful with their money,” he says. “The demand is there, and retailers are really aggressive and excited about cherries. The problem is that the prices are not fair for the growers. It’s getting to the point where it might not be sustainable for growers after Memorial Day.”
Memorial Day weekend is an important time for cherry production in the United States. However, growers continue to contend with the fact that prices have not increased, while labor costs have tripled. Growers are also producing better fruit.
Read the full article: FreshPlaza
Image: J&M Farms
10 Aug 2023
The CrackSense project, coordinated by the research institute Volcani Center (Israel), was initiated in 2023. Its ambition is to better understand and predict the complex phenomenon of fruit cracking, a major agronomic problem, at the fruit, tree and plot level.
17 Apr 2024
Initial results show that the Attract & Kill strategy combined with multifunctional nets can reduce the use of insecticides while providing effective protection. The programme will continue in 2024 with the extension of the experimental field in Vignola.
28 Jul 2026
Effective phytosanitary management of cherry wood requires prevention, accurate diagnosis and integrated strategies. Sanitary pruning, inoculum reduction, targeted treatments, biostimulation and seasonal monitoring help contain bacterial diseases and wood-decay fungi.
28 Jul 2026
In Kent, England, Agrícola San Clemente and FGA Farming are building an innovative cherry production model that combines technology, Chilean varieties, protective tunnels and seasonal workers from Chile to supply premium fruit directly to the British retail market.
