Strong crop forecasted for Massachusetts, tempered by ongoing drought
McGRATHPR.com – Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association (CCCGA/Massachusetts Cranberries) participated in this week’s Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC/U.S. Cranberries) meeting where the 2022 U.S. cranberry crop forecast was announced. For Massachusetts, the CMC forecasts a crop of 1.889 million barrels (each barrel equals 100 pounds), up 19% from the Commonwealth’s 2021 harvest. Overall, the national crop is anticipated to deliver 8.3 million barrels, an increase of 24% from last year.
Massachusetts is the founder of the cultivation of cranberries, initiated on Cape Cod in 1816, the second largest cranberry growing region in the country. The Commonwealth produces approximately 23% of the annual national crop.
“Our pollination season was good this year, and overall, the crop looks solid. The lingering concern is the ongoing drought. The berries are still sizing and gaining water weight. With supplemental irrigation, our hard working and resourceful growers are keeping the vines alive and berries intact,” shared CCCGA Executive Director Brian Wick. “A few soaking rain events would help the berries reach their full potential. The crop forecast is certainly a welcome increase from last year’s lower yield when we endured too much rain. These growing condition extremes are very challenging for our farmers. In drought years, the fruit quality is usually excellent. Crop potential may be tempered a bit this season, but consumers should expect to see good quality fruit this fall.”
Massachusetts Cranberries, established as Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association in 1888, represents more than 275 cranberry growers in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Nantucket. Cranberries are the largest agricultural food commodity produced in Massachusetts, with an annual crop value of $64.9 million. Massachusetts is home to 30% of all North American cranberry acreage and according to the Farm Credit East Knowledge Exchange Report, provides over 6,900 jobs and a total economic benefit of over $1.4 billion to the Massachusetts economy.
For more information about Massachusetts cranberries and their health benefits, visit Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association online at cranberries.org or follow the Association on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
