With soft economies around the world, an aggressive sweet cherry promotion program is what’s needed this season, say representatives of the Northwest Cherry Growers. The growth rate of the U.S. gross domestic product is negative, deflation is putting downward pricing pressure on all products, and recessions are being felt around the world. “Make no mistake, this is going to affect our year,” said Andrew Willis, promotion director for the Washington State Fruit Commission, which conducts promotions for the Northwest Cherry Growers. It’s a tough economy, he said, adding that it could be until the third quarter of 2009 or later […]