Northwest pear growers will pay a reduced assessment on canned pears in the coming season. The rate will drop from $7.33 per ton to $7.00 per ton. The new rate was approved at the annual meeting of the Processed Pear Committee in Portland on May 30. The rate includes $5.50 a ton that goes to the Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service for promotions (down from $6.33 currently), $1.00 for pear research, $0.20 for administration by the Washington State Fruit Commission, and $0.30 to cover committee expenses. Growers in Washington State will pay an additional special assessment of $1 per ton […]