Big harvest expected for Washington blueberries

Fresh Washington blueberries are available now at stores, U-pick farms and fruit stands across Washington State. Blueberry growers have launched superblues.net to help consumers locate nearby u-pick farms and fruit stands statewide.

According to Washington Blueberry Commission executive director, Alan Schreiber, Washington's total blueberry crop grew by 31% from 2011 to 2013. "Growers are keeping pace with the popularity of blueberries" he said, "by increasing production to 10,000 acres including 2,500 acres of organic blueberries making Washington State the largest concentration of organic blueberries in the U.S."

Washington blueberry production:

-- 2006 18.4 million pounds

-- 2007 28.5 million pounds

-- 2010 60 million pounds

-- 2013 80 million pounds

-- 2014 projected at 90 million pounds

Washington is fourth in U.S. blueberry production with 10,000 acres of berries from 175 growers. The state's blueberry season runs from June through August while processed 'blues' are available year round. Washington blueberries are grown in Skagit, Clark, Lewis, Snohomish, Thurston, Whatcom, Chelan, Yakima and Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, and Grant Counties.

Source: www.bellinghamherald.com