Solid harvest projected for Massachusetts’ official state fruit
McGRATHPR.com – Massachusetts Cranberries reports that the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the 2024 United States cranberry crop forecast. For Massachusetts, a crop of 2.2 million barrels (one barrel equals 100 pounds) is estimated, up 12% from the Commonwealth’s 2023 harvest. Overall, the national crop is anticipated to deliver 8.24 million barrels, an increase of 2% from last year.
“There is a fair amount of optimism among the grower community for the cranberry crop this year, compared to the disappointing harvest from last fall,” said Massachusetts Cranberries’ Executive Director Brian Wick. “There are still many weeks in the growing season; the fruit needs to continue to size and color to be ready to begin picking at the end of September. The recent spate of hot and humid conditions will likely keep the Massachusetts crop lower than the USDA’s bullish estimate prediction, but with favorable weather and the skill of our hardworking cranberry growers, a good harvest is expected.”
Massachusetts Cranberries, established as Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association (CCCGA) in 1888, represents hundreds of cranberry growers in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Nantucket. Cranberries are the largest food commodity produced in Massachusetts, with an annual crop value of $73.4 million. The Commonwealth serves as the second largest cranberry-producing region in the United States. According to the Farm Credit East Knowledge Exchange Report, the cranberry industry provides nearly 6,400 jobs and a total economic benefit of more than $1.7 billion annually to the Massachusetts economy.
For more information about Massachusetts cranberries and their health benefits, visit cranberries.org or follow @MassCranberries on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
About Massachusetts Cranberries
Massachusetts Cranberries represents more than 300 growers in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Nantucket, and is committed to the success of its members and the Massachusetts cranberry industry. In addition to being historically and culturally significant, the cranberry industry’s economic contribution is vital to the overall strength of Massachusetts’ economy. For more information, contact Karen Cahill, deputy executive director, at kcahill@cranberries.org, call 508-866-7878, visit cranberries.org, or follow @MassCranberries on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
