Trends in sweet cherry production

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the global trend of sweet cherry production. It covers the economics, crop yield, crop quality and organic production. As sweet cherry production continues to expand worldwide, each producer must decide whether to increase production (either through the renovation of old orchards or expansion into new sites), continue at a steady pace or decrease acreage and thus reduce risk but also yields. Since growing cherries is a high risk venture, the best way to proceed will depend on past successes and failures, perceived risks, the possibilities for mitigating those risks and future market potential.