The Ag Information Network report on today's fruit growers. Sweet cherry production in the United States for this year is expected to reach 355,000 tons, a slight increase from last year.
Starting from the south, Lance Honig of USDA says things are looking quite good.
"Looking at California specifically, it's still a very abundant harvest. Last season was nearly a record, so even though California is down, the harvest is still very plentiful. In Washington, the harvest is slightly below average but still of good size."
Honig notes that the estimates are accompanied by a clarification. "The total national figure of 355,000 tons, technically one could say it's increased by three-tenths of a percentage point compared to last year's production. But excluding Michigan, which wasn't counted in last year's total, there's a 5.9% decline compared to last year for the remaining three states we measured, across both seasons."
So, Honig says overall it's not bad. "And this is largely because we've seen a smaller crop, or expect a smaller crop, both in California and Washington, which are by far the dominant sweet cherry producers here in the United States."
Regarding consumers, Honig continues, "So, with a slight decline nationally, we still expect a medium to above-average harvest size. Therefore, availability shouldn't be a problem this year for sweet cherries."
Washington and Oregon together are estimated at 228,000 tons, with a decrease of about 3.4% from last year... but the quality this year is exceptional.
Source: AG Info
Image: Fresh Collective
17 Feb 2025
A recent study conducted on the slopes of Mount Etna (Italy) analyzed the seasonal activity, population genetics, and presence of parasitoids potentially useful for the biological control of this insect in the area.
12 Feb 2026
A University of Hannover study shows that Parka®, a fatty-acid-based cuticle supplement, does not reduce rain-induced cherry cracking. Trials on six cultivars found no effect on cuticle mass, elasticity or fruit water uptake under simulated rainfall conditions.
20 May 2026
A Chinese study shows how epicarp colorimetry can accurately indicate sweet cherry ripening by linking skin color, anthocyanins, soluble solids and fruit quality, supporting targeted harvesting and artificial vision technologies.
20 May 2026
Technological progress promises innovation, but research on seedless cherries raises an urgent question: why do we invest in market comforts while millions face hunger? A critical analysis of science, priorities, incentives and global responsibility.
