Cranberry producers in US state of Massachusetts are expecting a strong produce this year, despite facing weather-related problems. As the second-largest cranberry-producing position after Wisconsin, Massachusetts is projected to produce 2. 2 million barrels this year, a 12 % increase from last year.
Farmers are already harvesting berries by flooding their wetlands and using devices to soften the fruit from the vines. The floating grapes will then be collected and sent to processing flowers.
Massachusetts has about 300 blueberry ponds covering approximately 14,000 acres.
Steve Ward, a second-generation blueberry producer, anticipates harvesting 15,000 to 20,000 containers this time, his best offer in three decades. “The time has been very good this time. We’ve had a pretty good crop, ” Ward said. He supplies about 80 % of his crop to Ocean Spray.
But, farmers are dealing with the impacts of climate change, including extended clean periods and higher heat. “We have had some problems with some of the warm weather and had one of the longest dried rituals we have ever had, ” Ward explained. “We are having more 90-degree (32 degrees Celsius ) time clumped up. The cranberry plants just do n’t like that type of weather. Our common conditions, especially at night, are higher. Cherries need cooler temperatures at evening. ”
Despite these challenges, the economy continues to adjust. Some farmers have diversified by installing solar panels, and Ward is considering adding floating solar installations to his water resources. The blueberry business in Massachusetts, dating back to the 19th centuries, has faced problems like trade war and fluctuating rates in the past.
