Oregon blueberry yield topples records, expands overseas
As local farmers, field hands and migrant workers toiled in the fields this summer picking blueberries, several recounted a “berry glut. Blueberry supply seemed to outpace demand, in a competitive market where farmers vie for U-pick stand attention and both domestic and international markets.
Early this September, the Oregon Blueberry Commission added weight to first-hand recounts: The council estimates more than 100 million pounds of commercial blueberries have been harvested across this Oregon this summer, a figure higher than any prior yields.
“Generally there has been a steady progression for the last 20 years,” said Brian Ostlund, with the commission. “Light pollination, plants reaching maturity — we’re seeing higher and higher yields.”
Source: Statesman Journal
