PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHERRY SHIPPERS GET BOOST IN EXPORTS TO JAPAN

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHERRY SHIPPERS GET BOOST IN EXPORTS TO JAPAN

   Pacific Northwest cherry shippers got a boost late last week when the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an agreement with Japan to allow for the export of Chelan cherries.

   “USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is constantly at work to expand trade opportunities in Asia and around the world for U.S. producers,” the agency said. “The trade agreement was reached after APHIS demonstrated the effectiveness of the quarantine treatment for Chelan cherries. The treatment guards against the coding moth, a pest of concern for Japan.”

   This is the 10th variety of cherries approved for export to Japan. Other varieties already approved are Bing, Sweetheart and Ranier cherries. Industry analysts say the approval for Chelan cherries will result in $1 million to $2 million for cherry producers during the first season alone.

   “The U.S.-Japanese agreement comes just in time to benefit Washington and Oregon producers who are about to begin harvesting the season’s cherry crop,” the USDA said. “California, which just finished its harvest, will wait until next season to enter the new market.”