E-mail: nass-ny@nass.usda.gov
(518) 457-5570

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:  Maris Reuber
Thursday, June 17, 2010

www.nass.usda.gov/ny


                                     TART AND SWEET CHERRY PRODUCTION DOWN
 
       According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York office, 2010 
tart cherry production is forecast at 6.70 million pounds.  This forecast is 40 percent below last 
year’s production of 11.2 million pounds and 30 percent below the 2008 crop.  Growers reported 
an early crop, due to the warm spring.  The Lake Ontario fruit region reported that bloom was 
good, but poor weather after bloom reduced the size of the crop.  There were some reports of 
frost throughout the region, with Wayne County reporting the most damage.
 
       U.S. tart cherry production is forecast at 195 million pounds, 46 percent below the 
revised 2009 production and 9 percent below 2008.  Michigan, the largest producing State, 
expects a crop of 140 million pounds, down 47 percent from the revised 2009 crop. The crop 
potential was reduced markedly by frosts during bloom. Yields vary substantially among 
varieties. Bacterial canker was reported by growers as a problem in some orchards.
 
       Sweet cherry production in New York is forecast at 1,100 tons, 11 percent below the 
2009 crop of 1,240 tons, but 5 percent above the 2008 crop.  An early cherry season was 
expected in the Lake Ontario fruit region.  Growers reported poor weather after bloom and a light 
set on the crop in certain areas.  Frost affected some orchards.  In both the Lake Erie and 
Hudson Valley regions, growers reported some frost and poor weather.
 
       U.S. sweet cherry production is forecast at 315,400 tons, down 27 percent from 2009, 
but 27 percent above 2008.  The Washington crop forecast of 160,000 tons is down 35 percent 
from 2009. The crop has fallen behind on maturity due to cool, wet weather this spring. The 
Michigan crop is forecast at 17,000 tons, 41 percent below the 2009 production. A wind freeze in 
early April killed buds on trees on high sites that are generally less susceptible to frost damage.	
	
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6-17-10