The Northwest pear industry expects to harvest “a bountiful crop” nearing 17 million 44-pound boxes for the fresh market.
That’s a 60 percent increase over last year’s 10.5-million-box crop, according to a news release from the Pear Bureau Northwest, the nonprofit marketing organization behind the USA Pears brand. And it’s 18 percent above the five-year average of 14.2 million boxes. (The 2024 harvest was well below average due to freeze damage in the Wenatchee, Washington, growing district.)
While fresh-market growers were excited about the strong crop, it coincides with market uncertainty following the loss of a major canner and concern that Bartletts grown for processing could flood the fresh market and depress prices.
In a rapid response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would purchase up to $20 million worth of canned and fresh Bartletts for food banks and school nutrition programs this fall. That brings more stability to the pear market, said CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of the Pear Bureau Northwest.
“Our growers in Washington and Oregon are excited about the quality and quantity of this year’s crop, and their enthusiasm is contagious as they bring more than 10 varieties and an abundant volume of fruit to market well into 2026,” she said in the release. “Additionally, the USDA’s Section 32 buy of Bartlett pears will enable food banks and school nutrition programs to gain access to the nutritious fruit.”
Nutrition-based marketing will be a core component of USA Pears’ promotions this year, according to the release.
For more details on the USDA’s Section 32 solicitation, which has a deadline of Sept. 3, head to: https://portal.wbscm.usda.gov/ppp/doc/Solicitation/12-3J14-25-B-0496/Section%2032%20Fresh%20Bartlett%20Pear%20Instructions%20for%20Bidders.pdf. •
