07/04/07 Blueberry Harvest

Blueberry harvest. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. Blueberry harvest is underway with another year of what should be good prices and record-breaking production for one of Oregon's fastest growing industries. BRAZELTON: They're eating more fruit in New York City, they're eating more fruit in Denver, they're eating more fruit in Portland whether it is fruit that is frozen, dried, or fresh. Dave Brazelton of Fall Creek Nursery south of Eugene grows and sells blueberry nursery stock. He says Oregon's good natural image and strong heritage for berries will help when supply finally catches up with demand and blueberry buyers have a choice in where to get the product: BRAZELTON: We have tremendous strategic advantages here in Oregon that, when push comes to shove, Oregon growers will still make money when many others won't. That's because we are so productive. Those advantages include a favorable climate and good soils. In the past decade, the Oregon blueberry industry has experienced more than 100 percent growth and now has a production value of 53 million dollars. With increased acreage this year, that number is expected to go up. Brazelton says Oregon is in the driver's seat to continue selling the product: BRAZELTON: Demand is ahead of supply. The producing world is responding. Oregon is in one of the strongest places in the world, strategically, to respond because of our natural advantages. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.