Perry: Slight Profits Expected For Apple, Pear Growers

As we kick off our six part Northwest Farm Credit Services' quarterly commodity snapshot series, we start with area tree fruit. Bill Perry, Vice President at NWFCS, said their 12 month outlook calls for a slight profit in the apple industry.

“Although low packouts have been the reality throughout the season, higher quality fruit coming out of storage now is improving packouts. Prices are also improving as supplies dwindle. Returns to growers should improve for the last few months of the season, but low yields will keep overall profit margins slim.”

Meanwhile, Perry said NWFCS expects slight profits for Northwest pear growers.

“There’s evidence that the pear industry’s efforts to improve domestic demand have paid off. Increasing domestic demand, strong packouts and good pricing will provide good margins. However, when factoring in low production to cover increasing costs, pear growers’ returns are minimal.”

Join us Friday, as we turn our attention to Northwest row crops.

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