Trenton, NJ — It has been an early start for New Jersey's blueberry season and the locally grown "state fruit" is now for sale at farmers markets, pick-your-own farms, grocery stores and dedicated "Blueberry Festivals."
Blueberries have become an especially important crop for New Jersey agriculture. Today that crop is worth $62.5-million, according to 2010 statistics from the US Department of Agriculture. Some 299 farms devote 7,500 acres to blueberry cultivation, yielding approximately 6,980 pounds per acre. Atlantic and Burlington Counties account for 95 percent of state areas harvested.
For health-conscious consumers, blueberries contain just 80 calories per cup, with virtually no fat. They're high in fiber and excellent sources of Vitamin C and manganese and near the top of the food list for antioxidants, according to the US Highbush Blueberry Council.
"Blueberry farming is intense, with a short window for harvesting — about six weeks or so, from June into July, " says Richard Nieuwenhuis, president of New Jersey Farm Bureau. "Most harvesting is still done by hand to prevent damaging the fruit, although farmers now have the capability of using machine harvesting equipment."
Farm Bureau is dedicated to preserving and furthering the farming industry in New Jersey. The state is the country's fourth largest producer of blueberries. No other single crop — not Jersey tomatoes, corn, or peaches — yields as much on the market.
For further information, contact the New Jersey Farm Bureau, at The Farmhouse, 168 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608. Phone 609-393-7163; fax 609-393-7072; email mail@njfb.org; website www.njfb.org
The New Jersey Farm Bureau is a non-profit member organization of 13,000+ farmers and farm-related individuals within the Garden State. It is the only organization solely dedicated to representing the grass- roots interests and directives of its members in educating all levels of government and the public on the farm community’s policies and positions. The Farm Bureau also takes a lead in seeking out initiatives, activities and ventures to enhance the profitability of producer members and ensure the viability of agriculture in New Jersey — the Garden State for Good Reason — our farms.
Source: The New Jersey Farm Bureau
