Cherry Surplus Hurting Growers

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By Kyle Trompeter

Summary

“We are in what could be referred to as the perfect storm,” said JTE Farm’s Jochen Engelke. That "storm" is the best growing season in a decade.

Story Published: Jun 26, 2009 at 5:23 PM PST

BASIN CITY - “We are in what could be referred to as the perfect storm,” said JTE Farm’s Jochen Engelke.

That "storm" is the best growing season in a decade.

“That's due to no weather related damage and great pollination,” said Engelke.

But JTE Farms is losing money. The Basin City cherry grower says growing has been good for everyone but the packing plants can't handle all the fruit.

“For a small operation like ours it represents 10 percent of our income. That is about one acre or about eight tons,” said Engelke.

He doesn't want that acre of cherries to go to waste, especially since they're the best since the 90's. So they're donating all those tons to Second Harvest.

“This kind of stands out and it all just came along so suddenly,” said Second Harvest’s Henry Johnson.

While they're happy to be charitable, JTE Farms would rather be making money.

“What it comes down to is opportunity. Without it, you can do the best job you want, grow the best crops you want, but without a place to go with them, your opportunity is non existent,” said Engelke.

Even in the cherry world, it's still tough for the little guy to get ahead.