Cranberry growing in Massachusetts may be in danger. For many growers, market prices have plunged this quirky little berry packed with vitamins and minerals below the cost of production.
That will be explored over the next several months as the Massachusetts Cranberry Revitalization Task Force looks at the future of cranberry farming in Massachusetts. Established by the state Legislature and approved by Gov. Charlie Baker last July, a 17-member task force will soon be seated to investigate short-term and long-term solutions to preserving and strengthening the commonwealth’s cranberry industry.
Where it all began
Cranberries are one of only three native fruits discovered in North America; the others are Concord grapes and blueberries. Native Americans harvested them wild and used them for medicine, as dyes and in dried meat. They were first cultivated on Cape Cod by folks in the seafaring business and were originally grown in wetlands, though newer cranberry bogs have been constructed by creating wetlands out of high ground.
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