The Northwest is facing one of the earliest and most productive blueberry harvests in decades and Oregon is looking to become one of the top states for production. The early harvest this year is feeding an increase in consumer demand nationwide. Bryan Ostlund is with the Oregon Blueberry Commission. He says the international export market is also expanding quickly.
Ostlund: “Korea, this is our fourth season we will ship fresh blueberries to South Korea. Last year, we shipped about a million and a half pounds to South Korea by itself– now our largest Asian market– we could easily double that business in 2015.”
Normally, blueberry harvests start to get rolling around the Fourth of July. This year, the industry is at least three weeks ahead of schedule. With different varieties planted throughout the State, consumers can expect fresh blueberries for several more months.
copyright, 2015 KLCC