Oregon pear growers pleased with healthy season

Pear growers in Oregon are enjoying a healthy season, as they see good volumes and steady pricing. Growing conditions have been favorable for the most part and the trees have produced well, after last year's heavy crop.

"Yield is close to the long term average here in Oregon and is meeting the season estimates," said Sean Naumes, of Naumes Pears. "Here in the Medford region, growers tend to favor Bosc varieties, while in Hood River, the focus is more on the Bartlett and Anjou pears. However we do grow and pack all varieties, including Comice, Packam, French Butter, Starkrimson, Seckel and Red Anjou, and we're seeing good demand and production volumes for all of them. The hot spell we had didn't help, but we avoided any negative impacts on the crop, including any significant corking in the Anjou. Last year we had quite a heavy crop and, although pears are not really an alternate-bearing crop, sometimes if there is a particularly heavy season, the subsequent year tends to be more modest. But we pruned the trees heavily during the winter which has helped sustain a good crop this year."

The demand for pears across the market is solid. As Californian supplies start to ease, Northwest growers are hopeful that demand will flow on into their market. "California is moving their inventory out while demand remains strong for pears," continued Naumes. "We're hoping that as the season transitions, we will see that activity carry over into the Northwest. If demand continues to hold up, that is a good sign for Northwest growers."

Prices also remain steady despite the steady flow of supplies. Naumes explained that this is an ideal situation for growers. "We're very happy with the way the market is situated at the moment," he said. "It's well balanced in that we're seeing good inventory movement while prices remain decent and it gives growers confidence as the season moves forward. Demand for Anjou pears remain strong while Bosc is also holding steady. Bosc stores well also, so its popular among growers looking to ensure a steady supply."