Raspberry Harvest 2023 Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. If you’re a red raspberry lover, and who isn’t, this is a great time of year. Raspberry harvest is currently underway and will soon be available if they’re not already.
So far, Mark Van Mersbegen, owner of Markwell Raspberries and President of the Washington Red Raspberry Commission, says things are looking pretty good …
VAN MERSBEGEN … “Yes, it is. I wouldn’t consider it, overall, and outstanding crop, but compared to the last two year, which were down significant, what we see this year is probably back to the old standard of normal, which is a lot of berries. And so, we’re grateful for that, no question.”
Besides, Van Mersbegen says we are one of the biggest raspberry producers …
VAN MERSBEGEN … “Yes, as far as the frozen red raspberry industry is concerned, about 98% of the frozen red raspberry are grown and processed right here in Whatcom County.”
Which is … berry country …
VAN MERSBEGEN … “It’s the climate, and the soil type, is why raspberries especially do so well here. But there’s also a lot of blueberries in this area as well and we’ve seen some raspberry acreage come out and be replaced by blueberries, which is fine. So, there’s that combination, there’s a lot of fruit here.”
Tune in tomorrow for more on the Washington Red Raspberry harvest, now underway.
