09/14/05 Still looking good

09/14/05 Still looking good

Across the fruit growing region, the word about this year's pear and apple crops has been positive. Take for example, pears. The buzz has been that the fruit is quality in appearance and taste, and according to Charlie Pomianek of the Wenatchee Valley Traffic Association, the early varieties are reaching projected quantity numbers. POMIANEK: It's my understanding Bartletts have been pretty well picked. They came in pretty close to estimate. Anjou's again look to be about at estimate. So I think those numbers are pretty accurate. Apples are also getting rave reviews but not because they are reaching numbers. Estimates for this year's crop have been smaller than 2004, which is good according to Pomianek and other apple industry types, as smaller crop size combined with higher quality should mean improved prices and stronger consumer demand. POMIANEK: People are picking pretty much to their estimates, at least on the Gala's is what I heard. Gala and Golden Delicious harvest is near complete in many areas, with the fall varieties soon to come on line. And the crop even looks good in places like parts of the Yakima Valley, plagued with drought like conditions this year. As grower Charlie LaChappell points out, Gala sales should provide a big boost to growers in his area, along with the other new varieties like Fuji's and Jonagolds. LACHAPPELL: The old is coming out, the new is coming in. I think you'll see more of what the market wants & better sizes, quality in the targeted zone, which is what the markets want.
Previous Report09/13/05 Fruit industry helps Katrina victims
Next Report09/15/05 One step closer