Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has formally requested a Secretarial Disaster Designation from USDA for Hood River, Wasco, and contiguous counties following significant losses to the 2025 pear crop. The request cites widespread pear psylla infestations, excessive summer heat, and limited pollination as the primary causes of damage.
Oregon's Hood River region is one of the most important pear-producing areas in North America. A disaster designation would unlock federal assistance for affected growers, but the underlying crop losses are already baked in — supply from this region is reduced regardless of the designation outcome.
Buyers managing pear categories should factor tighter Pacific Northwest supply into their planning. Watch for pricing pressure on Oregon pears as the 2026 crop year progresses.