Throughout 2023, cherry growers in the state of Washington faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions. However, a positive breakthrough came on March 19 when the US Department of Agriculture approved Governor Jay Inslee's request for a federal disaster declaration.
This decision allows growers from 22 counties in Washington and six counties in Oregon to access emergency loans of up to $500,000 each. The request was supported by a bipartisan letter sent by all 12 members of Washington's congressional delegation to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on February 1.
Senator Maria Cantwell emphasized the importance of this declaration in supporting cherry growers, highlighting significant losses suffered in the previous year due to extreme weather conditions. According to the USDA, emergency loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including production costs and debt refinancing, provided that counties experience at least a 30% reduction in yields or prices.
Representative Kim Schrier expressed solidarity with growers, stating that their challenges were immense and many suffered losses exceeding 50%. Representative Dan Newhouse, on the other hand, described the declaration as a step in the right direction to address the situation.
In the letter sent to Vilsack, legislators explained how the rapid transition from a cold spring to a hot April negatively impacted the sweet cherry crop on the West Coast, leading to the loss of approximately 35% of the crop in the northwest region.
Finally, Senator Patty Murray expressed gratitude to the Biden administration for their ongoing support of Washington growers. The primary counties affected by the disaster declaration include Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Walla Walla, and Yakima, along with numerous other adjacent counties in Washington and Oregon.
Read the full article: The Spokesman
Image: The Spokesman
06 May 2025
Discover how Santina cherry shows superior resistance to bacterial canker compared to Bing in Chile. We analyze molecular strategies, cellular defenses, and implications for breeding more resistant varieties, boosting global cherry production.
03 Nov 2025
The harvest of Sweet Aryana® PA1UNIBO cherries began on October 27 in Peumo, central Chile. With a 30 mm size and 18° Brix, the fruits show great market potential. ANA Chile® focuses on quality, uniformity, and an early export window for premium cherries.
18 Mar 2026
Jerte Valley PDO expands its cherry season with new certified varieties. Between favorable winter chill, growing European demand and insurance challenges, the sector focuses on quality, brand recognition and access to new international markets global competitive.
18 Mar 2026
Research conducted in Kent, the largest cherry-producing region in Great Britain, shows that cherry processing waste can be transformed into nutraceutical ingredients rich in anthocyanins. Freeze-dried cherry pulp powder demonstrated protective effects in experimental models.
