PEARS
U.S. pear production is largely concentrated in the Pacific Northwest, but commercial production can also be found in 45 other States. Washington is the top producer with over 40 percent of U.S. output, followed by California and Oregon. Pears are a minor crop in Michigan about 1000 acres of pears are scattered among 230 fruit farms. Most of Michigan's pears are sold to Gerber's and used for baby food. Bartlett is the major variety with over 900 acres followed by Bosc.
U.S. fresh pear consumption has increase gradually during the last three decades. Americans now consume an average of 3.1 pounds of fresh pears per person yearly, holding fairly steady from the 1990s but up from 2.4 pounds in the 1970s.Currently, the world’s leading pear producing countries are China, the United States, and France. World pear production has increased rapidly over the last decade but it has been stable in Southern Europe, and Oceania, and is decreasing in Eastern and Central Europe. Increased exportable supplies are anticipated from China, and France. Bigger pear crops are also projected for some other top producers, such as Spain, South Africa, and the United States.
