Oregon Blueberry Season Record Setting

The Oregon Blueberry Commission estimates a record-setting 100 million pounds of commercial blueberries have been harvested across the state this year.  The count hasn't yet been finalized, but the estimate puts this year's harvest about 4% higher than 2015.

According to the Statesman Journal many Oregon blueberry growers started earlier this year, around May or June, and finished the growing season a couple weeks early with higher yields.  The commission's Brian Ostlund attributes the higher yields to plants reaching maturity.  Growers also experienced milder summer temperatures compared to last year, when several counties were under drought declarations.

The commission anticipates continued growth and is looking to expand into new international markets in China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

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