Wisconsin cranberry growers call on USDA to limit production
Estimates show Wisconsin growers are on track to harvest an estimated 5.6 million barrels of cranberries this year. This follows year after year of increased production from state cranberry beds.
Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association Director Tom Lochner says this has been driving down prices.
Currently, Lochner estimates independent growers are getting between $10 to $15 per barrel for their fruit, when they need between $25 and $30 a barrel to sustain their operations. So, Lochner said the industry is asking the USDA to limit production to help farmers recoup costs.
"The recommendation, if it's approved by the department of agriculture, would remove about 2.5 million barrels of fruit from the inventories and start to get us moved in a direction toward a balance of supply and demand," he said.
source: wpr.org
