MA Cranberry Growers Forecast 'Solid Crop' For 2023

MASSACHUSETTS — The Massachusetts cranberry crop is expected to be slightly smaller than in 2022, but that doesn't have cranberry growers in a sour mood.

The Cranberry Marketing Committee announced its 2023 United States cranberry crop forecast at an Oregon meeting this week. For Massachusetts, the CMC forecasts a crop of 1.96 million barrels (each barrel equals 100 pounds), down just one percent from the Commonwealth’s 2022 harvest.

Overall, the national crop is anticipated to deliver 8.22 million barrels, an increase of four percent from last year. Each barrel of cranberries equals 100 pounds.

Massachusetts is the founder of the cultivation of cranberries, initiated on Cape Cod in 1816, serving as the second-largest cranberry-growing region in the country. The Commonwealth produces approximately 23 percent of the annual national crop.

“It’s been a challenging year for our growers but optimism prevails for a solid crop. The cold spring produced many frost nights, a few resulting in scattered frost damage to the tender vines. The weather turned more favorable for pollination season in June but transitioned to a rainy July. Despite weather-related difficulties, our resourceful growers stand strong through each challenge,” said Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association Executive Director Brian Wick.

“By the end of September our growers will start to harvest our healthy, native berries. It’s always exciting for our communities to witness the full-circle growing cycle that culminates in a uniquely beautiful harvest.”

Massachusetts Cranberries, established as Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association in 1888, represents more than 300 cranberry growers in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Nantucket.

Cranberries are the largest agricultural food commodity produced in Massachusetts, with an annual crop value of $73.4 million.

Massachusetts is home to 30 percent of all North American cranberry acreage and, according to the Farm Credit East Knowledge Exchange Report, provides nearly 6,400 jobs and a total economic benefit of over $1.7 billion to the Massachusetts economy.