Yakima Economy Gears Up For Record Cherry Crop

Yakima County is already #1 in Washington State for cherry production and this year looks even more bountiful for local growers. Just announced, the 2009 cherry harvest will be coming in at an estimated 18 million boxes, 14 million of which are produced in Washington, exceeding the previous record of 14.7 million set in 2007. “This crop has the potential to be a home run,” said B.J. Thurlby, president of Northwest Cherry Growers and the Washington State Fruit Commission. Cherries also drive exports from the region as the commodity is shipped to Pacific Rim countries and many other foreign destinations.

 

The robust harvest is one of the reasons why Yakima County’s unemployment rate has seen small decreases over the past few months. Yakima’s orchards, packing houses, and food processors have been ramping up their staffs, which is good news for the local economy. Yakima County is the 12^th largest agricultural producer in the U.S. With a large diverse agricultural base the regional economy has been relatively stable compared to many regions across the country.

 

Attributed, in part, to the Yakima Herald-Republic.