Agronometrics Shorts: Pacific Northwest Pear Growers Eye Strong Rebound in 2025

After a rough 2024 season that left shelves light and growers frustrated, pear producers in the Pacific Northwest are preparing for a strong comeback. With favorable spring weather and a healthy bloom, the region is poised for one of its best harvests in recent years. In 2024, growers across Washington and Oregon struggled with late frost and uneven pollination, which led to a significantly smaller crop, particularly for Bartlett and Bosc varieties. The impact was felt both at home and abroad, with some packing houses reporting yields down more than 30%. This year, the outlook is much brighter. “We had a near-ideal spring. Bud set was strong, frost was minimal, and we’re seeing solid sizing across most blocks,” said a Wenatchee-based grower. “It’s a welcome turnaround.” Early field estimates suggest that the 2025 crop could exceed 400,000 tons, a return to pre-2022 volumes. Retailers have responded quickly to the improved forecast. Regional marketing organizations are working with domestic grocery chains to roll out pear promotions as early as August. Exporters are also eager to regain ground lost in 2024, particularly in Canada and Mexico, where supply gaps opened the door for European and South American competitors. With pricing expected to stabilize, the U.S. pear industry sees this season as a key moment to reassert itself. This year’s recovery isn’t just about weather. Investments in orchard renewal, new cold storage facilities, and improved harvest logistics are helping growers move fruit more efficiently. Several producers are also participating in USDA conservation programs aimed at improving soil health and runoff control, efforts that may pay dividends in both quality and sustainability.

After one of the smallest harvests in a decade, Pacific Northwest pear growers are back on solid footing. Barring any major summer weather events, consumers can expect more consistent pear availability this fall, and the industry is counting on it. “We need this win,” said a Hood River orchard manager. “It’s not just about volume, it’s about showing the market we’re still here and still reliable.”

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.

(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Written by Sarah Ilyas