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Wa. Blueberry Commission predicts record breaking harvest

[kulewater]

Agronometrics in Charts: Washington Blueberry Commission predicts a record breaking blueberry harvest

BY AGRONOMETRICS | 25 AUGUST 2022

In this installment of the ‘Agronometrics In Charts’ series, Sarah Ilyas studies the state of the Washington blueberry season. Each week the series looks at a different horticultural commodity, focusing on a specific origin or topic visualizing the market factors that are driving change.

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Washington has one of the longest blueberry seasons in North America; growers have a 5-month picking window, unlike any other region in the country. Washington continues its reign as the leading producer of blueberries in the country, followed by Oregon, Georgia and Michigan. Eastern Washington is early while Northwest Washington is late in the season that ranges from June through October. The state produces 40 percent fresh and 60 percent frozen, which can be enjoyed year round. This season, the Washington blueberry Commision is projecting the biggest blueberry harvest that the state has ever had; 24,000 total acres of Washington blueberries are expected to yield 180 million pounds this season.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

 

According to research conducted by the Oregon State University, in Washington, production does not begin until early to mid-July, and the season finishes earlier than in Oregon. The fruit on each cultivar typically ripens over a period of 2 to 5 weeks. Despite the unusually long and unusually cool spring this season, some growers report higher yields and better quality than last year.

 

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

The movement of blueberries through Oregon and Washington is expected to be about the same. Prices this season ranged from $36 per package in week 27 to $15.63 per package in week 32. Pricing this season is expected to be nominal as new volumes surge in. 

Consumers across Washington will now be able to find fresh blueberries at local grocery stores and markets. Many blueberry farms statewide are welcoming customers to come and pick their own blueberries. The Washington Blueberry Commission has kicked off promotional activities such as the annual Kids’ Recipe Contest between Aug 14 and 28 and kids aged 12-18 are invited to create their own recipes using Washington blueberries and submit them to the Washington Blueberry Commission. 

https://www.agronometrics.com/stories/agronometrics-in-charts-washington-blueberry-commission-predicts-a-record-breaking-blueberry-harvest/

[kulewater]

This is great for one of BVTs prime markets. Expanded budgets allow for continuity of investment and adoption of BVT systems/products. Looking forward to the next 2-12 months with all the milestones upcoming.