Statistics Show Oregon Remains a Leading Fruit Producer

Recently released USDA statistics show that Oregon grows virtually all of the U.S.’s commercial blackberries, marionberries, boysenberries and hazelnuts while also one of the leading producers of raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, sweet cherries and pears.

Lindsey Eng with the Oregon Department of Agriculture said the climate, soils and hard-working farmers provide Oregon with a huge advantage.

“Great demand for those products overseas. Locally, we have a very vibrant local food scene, vibrant farmers’ market scene, vibrant u-pick scene.”

The fruit crop industry in the state is valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Eng said these numbers might surprise some Oregonians.

“Those that take advantage of the local food scene and get out and do u-pick, and pick the blueberries and the raspberries and cherries throughout the year, know that very well. But they may not realize how lucky they are and how competitive on a global marketplace and with our other states Oregon is in fruit and nut production.”

So residents and visitors alike can expect to find some high-quality fruit in Oregon this summer.