PLYMOUTH – The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association is anticipating a strong crop this upcoming season.
The forecast from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service shows that Massachusetts is projecting 2.3 million barrels of the fruit to be produced, which is 3% more than the final crop figure last year.
A barrel is the equivalent of 100 pounds of cranberries.
“Certainly that forecast is for a good crop, and that’s what we’re expecting. So we’re just hoping for some favorable weather between now and the end of September when things will really get going,” Executive Director Brian Wick said.
The numbers were presented at the 132nd annual meeting of the organization last week.
“I think most growers are pretty optimistic of a good crop. I haven’t heard a lot of stories of a bad crop from anyone, but of course everyone’s circumstances are going to be a little bit different,” Wick said.
According to the report from the USDA, only Wisconsin generates more cranberries than Massachusetts.
The Commonwealth provides around 23% of all cranberries produced in the United States. The overall U.S. cranberry crop is expected to be just over 9 million barrels, which is up 4% from 2018.
For more information, visit www.cranberries.org.
About Brendan Fitzpatrick
