As the California cherry harvest gets under way in the southerly production areas, the crop from the state is expected to be further reduced on estimates two weeks ago.
"As already indicated this year's California cherry crop is expected to be about three weeks later than normal,” said Jim Culbertson, executive manager of the California Cherry Advisory Board. “The early cherries from the southern growing areas will be a little lighter in volume than last year, but it is expected that the later Bing crop will be much the same as last year's volumes.”
But last season was already a low volume year - exports to the UK were some 50 per cent down on 2004. Although the inclement spring conditions have had varying effects across the state, it is the earliest growing regions that have been hardest hit. Traditionally sendings to the UK come from these early areas as they arrive before European sources get going.
While volumes may be low, the sector is hopeful that this will have a beneficial effect on quality. “Because like last year there is a lower than average crop volume - as the fruit has essentially been thinned by the weather - the Bing cherry crop is expected to be of excellent quality and will be arriving in the UK from the very last days of May and the beginning of June,” said Culbertson.
Growers are keeping their fingers crossed late rainfall will not damage fruit. As FPJ went to press, weather forecasts for the state looked promising. "After the earlier cool, wet weather, California has had two and a half weeks of excellent weather conditions with temperatures of 80 to 85°F, which is perfect for cherries and not too hot,” said Culbertson. Though Wednesday was expected to be a hot 90°F, Thursday and the next few days are forecast to be back in the ideal 80-85°F range.
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