spot_imgspot_img

WSDA: Washington world’s top blueberry producer

(The Center Square) – Washington state is the top blueberry producer in the world, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

“When it comes to blueberries, Washington state can take a bow,” a WSDA news release reads. “Each berry you enjoy is a product of the state’s dedication to agricultural excellence.”

Farmers in Washington, the nation’s top blueberry-producing state, grow close to 90,000 tons of blueberries every year, according to the Aug. 8 news release. The state produced 180 million pounds of blueberries valued at $228.4 million in 2021, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

The WSDA posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, to celebrate the state’s status as top blueberry producer.

I’m sure Captain Picard loves blueberries, but 21st century astronauts eat them too! https://t.co/NWgzluCBaB pic.twitter.com/vO8YO6qtuc— Washington State Department of Agriculture (@WSDAgov) August 8, 2023

Western Washington grows close to 55% of the state’s blueberry crop, while Eastern Washington grows close to 45%, according to the news release.

The state’s producers of highbush blueberries, which grow taller and bring higher yields than other varieties, generated $464.4 million in economic impact and created more than 4,400 jobs each year as of 2020, according to the California Ag Network.

Oregon produced 150 million pounds of blueberries in 2021, worth $171.7 million, according to the USDA. The state’s highbush producers generated $353.5 million in economic impact and created more than 3,500 jobs each year as of 2020, according to the California Ag Network.

The United States grows 95% of blueberries on the planet, according to the news release. The nation’s highbush blueberry growers brought more than $12.7 million flowing into the American economy as of 2020, according to the California Ag Network, creating and sustaining the equivalent of more than 44,500 full time jobs each year.

But the nation is still a net importer of blueberries, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resources Center. The United States imported close to 571.3 million pounds of fresh blueberries in 2021, worth close to $1.6 billion.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Hobbs travels to Mexico for conversations with leaders on economy, border

(The Center Square) – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is...

Counties approving resolutions to separate from Chicago could grow

(The Center Square) – Madison County voters are being...

Polling guru, expert picker reveal who will win presidential election

One of America's top polling experts shared his "gut"...

Alternatives to Incarceration Task Force sweats possible funding loss if I-2117 passes

(The Center Square) – The Board for Judicial Administration’s...

Helene: Governor signs $644M aid package

(The Center Square) – The General Assembly’s unanimous passage...

Yost examining ruling that says Ohio’s Heartbeat Law unconstitutional

(The Center Square) – Saying meaning must be given...

More like this
Related

Report: Washington budget faces $5 billion lawmaker-created shortfall next biennium

(The Center Square) - A newly released brief published...

Hobbs travels to Mexico for conversations with leaders on economy, border

(The Center Square) – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is...

Counties approving resolutions to separate from Chicago could grow

(The Center Square) – Madison County voters are being...