02/16/06 Tree fruit survey

02/16/06 Tree fruit survey

Both the Oregon and Washington field offices of U.S.D.A.'s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be busy this spring conducting a comprehensive fruit tree survey. But in Oregon, the survey will be a big deal. One reason, according to Laura Burgess of the Oregon State N.A.S.S., is this is the first fruit tree survey in the state since 1993. BURGESS: This program isn't fully funded by our agency. That's why it's not done years, or every couple of years. We need the industry support and industry funds to help us with it. For this survey, the Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission and Pear Bureau Northwest stepped up to plate with partial funding, with N.A.S.S. covering the rest in matching funds. Also different about the Oregon fruit tree survey, is the way it is being conducted. BURGESS: For growers that are not in Hood River or Wasco Counties, we are going to mail them a questionnaire this Friday. For growers in Wasco and Hood River Counties, they have an opportunity to essentially fill out this questionnaire along with their annual crop report for F.S.A. F.S.A. devised a blank map that was included in their packets, that asks for the information we need. The survey information will be used by the tree fruit industry to develop marketing plans based on crop size, and aid the industry in determining planting, transportation, labor, and processing and storage decisions.
Previous Report02/15/06 Orchard operations of the future, Pt.1
Next Report02/17/06 Organic tree fruit views around US, Pt.1