The key to keeping the Northwest cherry industry sustainable and profitable can be boiled down to five principles, says B.J. Thurlby, president of the Washington State Fruit Commission, which oversees the Northwest Cherry Growers promotion group. 1. Maintain export markets for Northwest cherries. Export markets make up about 25 to 30 percent of the crop and provide a release valve and market for premium cherries. 2. Improve U.S. per capita consumption. Research shows that 73 percent of domestic consumers aren’t eating cherries. “We need to find out how to get on their menu,” Thurlby said. 3. Develop a health message. […]