Inside the Growing Crisis Facing a Historic Industry
California’s pear industry may be small in numbers, but it is rich in history—and right now, it is under intense pressure. In a candid and at times fiery conversation on the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni sat down with Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Pear Advisory Board, to discuss the growing impact of Argentine pear imports on domestic growers.
The California Pear Advisory Board represents the entire state’s pear industry and has existed in some form since 1937. Zanobini, who has worked with the board since 1996, says the challenges facing growers today are unlike anything he has seen before.
A Narrow Window, Now Flooded With Imports
California pears are harvested starting around July 1, with growers working hard to finish shipping by the end of October. This limited marketing window allows California pears to reach consumers before production shifts north to Oregon and Washington.
However, pears from Argentina—harvested in December and January—are now arriving in the U.S. well into the summer months. In recent seasons, heavy Argentine supplies have flooded the market in June, July, and even August, directly overlapping California’s harvest.
The numbers tell the story. In the most recent season, 1.3 million boxes of Argentine pears entered the U.S.—more than California’s entire Bartlett pear production, the state’s primary variety.
Ripening Practices and Consumer Experience
One major concern is Argentina’s use of 1-MCP, a ripening inhibitor. Pears naturally ripen after harvest, but this chemical extends storage life while often preventing proper ripening altogether. According to Zanobini, this leads to poor eating experiences for consumers.
California growers made a voluntary commitment six years ago not to use 1-MCP because of its negative impact on fruit quality—placing them at a disadvantage against imported pears that can sit in storage for months.
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Rising Costs, Falling Opportunities
California pear growers face some of the highest production standards in the world, from labor and water regulations to chemical use and environmental stewardship. While these standards benefit consumers and the environment, they also drive up costs. Zanobini estimates a $5 to $10 per box production cost gap between California and Argentina.
Despite this, pear prices have remained flat or declined over the past decade, even as imports have doubled.
A Call for Retail and Consumer Support
Zanobini stressed that U.S. pear production alone—California, Oregon, and Washington combined—can easily meet domestic demand without imports overlapping the California season. He called on grocery chains to support domestic growers and urged consumers to ask for California pears when they are in season.
“This industry depends on awareness,” Zanobini said. “If consumers speak up, retailers will listen.”
🎧 Listen to the full interview to hear the complete conversation and what’s at stake for California pear growers.