Washington berry growers have been enduring a tough season, with conditions in the lead-up as well as during the season affecting berry yields. Firstly, the wet winter put pressure on the berry plants, resulting in a less than ideal start to the season. Now, growers are having to deal with hot conditions, leaving them with less fruit.
"We started picking blackberries on July 1st and the season typically goes through to October 1st," said Jake Sterino of Sterino Farms in Puyallup. "It has been very hot here in Washington with quite a lot of 90 plus degree days, which is not good for the berries. During the winter, we had a lot of rain so it has taken its toll and resulted in a lighter set. Yields have been down on all berries this year, including the current blackberry crop. Additionally, because of the warm spring, the crops have been a little early by a couple of weeks so we may finish up before October 1."
Market strong but supply for fresh market tight
With the reduced yield, this has placed pressure on the market and led to higher prices. One of the main problems facing supply is the effect the hot weather has had on fresh market berries in particular. Growers are having more difficulty in finding fruit the fill the demand.
"The market is firm but is quite typical for this time of year," Sterino observed. "It has been tough to meet demand with the heat causing sunburn on some of the fruit. With the increase of lower grade fruit, this has resulted in tighter supply to the fresh market. There is simply less available, meaning prices are strong."
Clamshell and smaller sizes going strong
As has been the case for several years now, the clamshell is the package of choice and retailers and shippers alike are sticking to it. Sterino noted that smaller sized packages are also doing well this year. "The clamshell remains the popular packaging option," he said. "The 12oz clamshell seems to be getting more and more popular."
Sterino Farms grows a number of different berry varieties as well as currants. Some of these include specialty berries like Nectarberry, Tayberry and Gold raspberry. Although these crops have finished for the year, they enjoy strong demand when in season. "Blackberries are the last of our berry crops, with all the other berries now finished for the year," Sterino shared. "Many of the specialty berries are available in July and they enjoy a good following."
For more information:
Jake Sterino
Sterino Farms
Tel: +1 (253) 770-0409