BURBANK — Washington has moved up to sixth in the nation in blueberry production, with farming of the fruit gaining popularity on the eastern side of the state.
The Tri-City Herald reports that an estimated 3,180 acres in Eastern Washington are dedicated to blueberries. That’s up from 2,500 acres two years ago.
The crop traditionally has been grown in Western Washington, with Whatcom County leading the way.
Statewide, producers this year expect to harvest more than 90 million pounds of blueberries. Two years ago, statewide production was 28 million pounds.
“The reality is we’re talking about an industry that overall is going to triple in size in a short period of time,” said Alan Schreiber, director of the Washington Blueberry Commission. “I know of no perennial crop growing at this rate, and certainly none in the Northwest tripling in size.
“People have health concerns, so this was an opportunity to grow a crop that has been showing good returns,” said Gary Middleton of Eltopia. He planted organic blueberries three years ago and will harvest his first crop this year.
Producers say the fruit’s health benefits are driving the popularity. Among the benefits are antioxidants. And according to an industry study, blueberry consumers are typically affluent.
Nationwide, total U.S. production jumped from 143.6 million in 2007 to 182.1 million pounds last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
National production could approach 400 million to 800 million pounds in the next few years, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council executive director Mark Villata said.
Blueberry production is also increasing in other states. The top producers in North America are Michigan, British Columbia, Oregon, New Jersey and Georgia.
In Eastern Washington, Schreiber believes the region’s milder climate offers inherent advantages that will allow for continued growth and high quality.
Moreover, the farms are new to the region, and do not have the diseases and insects that typically limit production in better established places.
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