Agronometrics: US pear industry faces historic declines in 2024/25

The USDA's latest report forecasts a significant downturn for the U.S. pear industry in the 2024/25 season, with production dropping by 20% to 470,000 metric tons, the lowest yield since 1967/68. This decline is primarily due to adverse weather conditions in Washington, Oregon, and California, the top pear-producing states. The total export volume is projected to drop to 85,000 tons, its lowest level since 1988/89, and domestic consumption is expected to hit a 40-year low. These challenges are compounded by a decade-long trend of declining acreage and changing market dynamics, presenting the industry with numerous hurdles to overcome.

According to the USDA's latest Fresh Apples, Grapes, and Pears: World Markets and Trade Report, the U.S. pear industry is set to face a historic decline in the 2024/25 season, with production and exports projected to hit their lowest levels in decades. Total pear production is expected to fall 20% to 470,000 metric tons, the lowest crop since the 1967/68 season. Adverse weather has taken its toll on the top three producing states: Washington, Oregon, and California. Washington, historically the largest pear producing state, is projected to see a staggering 30% drop in production, which will be lower than Oregon's for the first time. Frost in January and unusually cold spring weather severely damaged trees and blossoms, exacerbating a decade-long trend of declining acreage. Oregon and California also saw double-digit declines (15 and 17 percent, respectively), further reducing supply. Prices rose 17.5 percent in week 50 compared with the same period last season. Due to crop ...