Jun 26, 2012
Asparagus labor shortage has cherry growers worried

Washington asparagus growers see a labor shortage that has cost them portions of their crops — and portends a worrisome cherry harvest.

As Washington's asparagus season draws to a close, growers have much to feel good about. Prices have been high all season, matching demand. The weather has cooperated, and the quality of the crop is superb. But as the last grass, as it's known, is cut from the fields, there is a distinct unease instead of a sense of celebration.

Just as the industry has made a comeback after a decade of getting clobbered by cheap imports, growers left about 10 percent of the crop in the fields for the first time anyone could remember. And not for lack of market, or a decent price. The Seattle Times