Ever wondered what goes into getting your favorite fruit from orchard to table? This year, Pacific Northwest pear growers are celebrating a truly exceptional harvest! Despite initial market concerns, a significant USDA intervention is ensuring a robust supply. What does this mean for your fruit bowl this season?
The Pacific Northwest is currently abuzz with the vibrant activity of the 2025 pear harvest, signaling a remarkably productive fruit season for growers across the region. Exceptional growing conditions, following a relatively mild winter, have culminated in what experts are hailing as a truly bountiful crop, promising an abundance of fresh pears for consumers nationwide.
Initial projections indicate that this year’s yields are set to exceed last year’s harvest by an estimated 60 percent, a significant increase that highlights the resilience and dedication of the region’s agriculture sector. This substantial output underscores optimal climatic factors and effective orchard management practices contributing to the exceptional quality and quantity of the fruit.
However, the celebratory atmosphere was initially tempered by a notable concern regarding market stability. The recent closure of the industry’s largest canner presented a potential challenge for the robust supply of pears, raising anxieties among growers about the future distribution and processing of their substantial yield.
Fortunately, a proactive and swift intervention from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided crucial relief. Through a Section 32 purchase, the USDA committed support specifically for Northwest Bartlett pear growers, effectively mitigating the market uncertainties and ensuring a stable outlet for a portion of the record-breaking harvest.
Expressing profound enthusiasm, the president and CEO of Pears emphasized the superior quality and remarkable quantity of this year’s crop. Growers are diligently bringing over ten distinct varieties and an impressive volume of fruit to market, with availability expected to extend well into 2026, promising prolonged access to these delicious fruits.
Beyond securing market stability, the USDA’s Section 32 buy serves a dual purpose by facilitating access to nutritious pears for vital community programs. Food banks and school nutrition initiatives will greatly benefit from this initiative, ensuring that a healthy, fresh fruit option reaches those who need it most, enhancing public health and welfare.
Parallel to the agricultural success, Pears is also embarking on an exciting brand refresh, featuring a new logo and updated consumer insights. The organization is strategically preparing to launch innovative marketing campaigns designed to significantly boost pear consumption, aiming to establish pears as the preferred fresh fruit snack for Americans.
The pear harvest cycle typically continues throughout the autumn months, with proper storage techniques ensuring that various pear varieties remain available almost year-round. Unlike many other fruits, pears develop their full flavor and reach peak ripeness only after being picked, requiring a period at room temperature for optimal enjoyment. A gentle squeeze near the stem easily indicates readiness for consumption.
With a legacy dating back to 1931, Pears proudly represents over 700 grower families and partners across Washington and Oregon, regions responsible for approximately 88% of the U.S. commercial fresh pear crop. The organization remains dedicated to providing expert marketing and merchandising support, utilizing comprehensive consumer research and data analysis to enhance the overall success of the pear category globally.
