Oregon Fruit

Oregon Fruit. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

The Washington cherry harvest is moving along and right behind it is apricots, pears, peaches and nectarines. But how are things faring for our fruit growing neighbor to the south? There are plenty of fresh, local fruit products available over the next couple of months from one of the nation’s leading fruit producers. It seasonally starts with the berry crops.

ROTH:  When people think of Oregon agriculture, I think– particularly in the months of July and August– we have to think of berries. Berries I think are really one of the signature crops for Oregon agriculture. We are the leading producer of many different types of caneberries, including Marionberries, blackberries, and we are one of the leading producers of blueberries.

Gary Roth, the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s director of marketing and development, says behind all the numbers is the fact that the state’s climate and fertile soils– along with the skill and expertise of the growers– produce a great tasting, high quality food product that is enjoyed locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

ROTH:  It’s summer, and when it’s summer in Oregon for what seems like the 60 to 90 days that we get it, boy, get out there, folks. Get out there and enjoy Oregon’s products whether it’s at a farmers’ market, a farm stand, or even out of your own garden.

The numbers show that Oregon is either the number one or one of the top producers in the national of blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, sweet cherries, and pears. All told, these crops are worth hundreds of millions of dollars in production value.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.