<p>The 2013 Pacific Northwest pear harvest has been estimated to reach approximately 19.8 million standard 44-lb box equivalents (or 436,410 tons), making it the third largest on record. The figure was projected by representatives of the Northwest pear industry last week in Portland. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The harvest is expected to adhere to the usual timing, beginning in early August with the Starkrimson variety being picked first followed by Bartletts. Winter pear varieties such as the Anjou, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, Forelle, and Seckel will be picked from early September through mid-October. Fruit quality is reported to be excellent, with no significant weather issues affecting the crop to date, according to a release. <img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/oregon-pears-cropped.jpg" alt="IMAGES - JUNE 5" /><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Green Anjou pears are anticipated to make up 53% of the total 2012 crop, and Bartlett and Bosc pears are expected to yield 22% and 15% respectively.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“This year’s crop looks to be of very manageable size,” said Pear Bureau Northwest’s president and CEO, Kevin Moffitt. “With no major weather issues to date the industry is projecting a crop with excellent quality and fruit size to meet the demands of the domestic and export markets. A full range of promotions are planned as well as consumer advertising, social media and PR to continue to expand consumer awareness and demand.” </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.usapears.com/" target="_new">USA Pears </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
