Northwest pear producers anticipate a crop of 16.1 million standard box equivalents, on par with the four-year average, according to a news release from Pear Bureau Northwest.

The first official estimate for the 2021–22 fresh pear harvest was released Sept. 8 by the Milwaukie, Oregon- based nonprofit that collectively promotes Washington and Oregon fresh pears under a federal marketing order. 

“Pear growers are reporting an excellent quality crop this season, with some saying it is the best they have seen in a decade,” said Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest.

Producers estimate they will harvest 1.94 million boxes of organic pears, roughly 12 percent of the overall crop, according to the release.

Washington and Oregon produce 87 percent of America’s commercial fresh pears.

—by Ross Courtney