Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/53575
A RECORD- BREAKING YEAR for Northwest cherries Northwest cherry exports to China and Hong Kong topped the million-box mark for the first time. by Melissa Hansen Katerina Akulenko, Northwest Cherry Growers representative in Russia, said that cherries are very expensive in her country, averaging around $22 per pound and must compete with Turkish cherries. But in Russia's Far East, shipping rates across the Pacific Ocean make Northwest cherries more competitve. E xports of Northwest cherries in 2011—a shining star in dreary economic times—continue to play a key part in keeping cherry production profitable. Northwest cherry exports broke records last year—in terms of both the number of cherries exported (5.74 million boxes) and the total value of exports ($257 million), based on f.o.b. prices. About a dozen foreign market representatives for the Northwest Cherry Growers gathered in Cle Elum, Washington, in mid-December to plan future cherry and stone fruit export promotion programs. The foreign market specialists presented a snap- shot of market constraints and opportunities for Northwest cherries in the countries they represent. Northwest Cherry Growers, the promotion arm for cherry producers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Montana, coordinates export promotions in about 25 countries, as well as on the domestic market. "The trade is excited about Northwest cherries." —John Baker ISOMATE -CM FL ® echno Sustainable Mating Disruption Technology for Your Growing Needs ating Disruption Technolog of 200-400 dispensers per acre off 200-40 00 dispensers per acr pensers per acr 10 FEBRUARY 1, 2012 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com pe TE - CM F LEX -CM FLEX L E X melissa hansen