Blueberry Exports Pt 1

From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Washington Blueberry harvest is well underway, and the crop is looking good in both volume and quality. Some of those blueberries will end up enjoyed by consumers domestically, here at home, while many may be headed for export markets.

Washington Blueberry Commission Executive Director, Alan Schreiber says that is something they’ve been working on …

SCHREIBER … “It’s early to tell about exports. However, I was on a trade mission a month ago, right now, I was in Viet Nam. And, there were Washington blueberries landing in Viet Nam. Blueberries right out of the Yakima Valley were going throughout Viet Nam.”

Here at home, Schreiber says the prices should be favorable …

SCHREIBER … “I think the grower, price back to the grower for processed blueberries is pretty strong. I think the price for fresh blueberries is a good value for the consumer right now.”

But now, Schreiber says is the best time to enjoy our blueberries …

SCHREIBER … “We’re right at the peak of production and sometimes when we’re at the peak of production, the price back to the grower softens, but that is something that is to the benefit of the consumer. So, eat blueberries right now. Eat them all!”

Washington state produces the most blueberries in the nation.

Tune in tomorrow for more on the markets Washington blueberry growers are targeting.