Strawberry Farmer: R&D One Of the Biggest Assets

In 1967, the average American consumed less than two pounds of strawberries per year.  Last year, Americans enjoyed on average over 8 1/3 pounds of the fruit, a new record.  Brad Woerner is a strawberry farmer, and he says one of the biggest assets to his efforts has been the research and breeding work that’s been done.

"The varieties that they have now, compared to 20,30,40 years ago, are hardier, you can get better disease resistance, more uniform size and shape, better flavor.”

Woerner noted his biggest problem use to be fighting weeds and diseases.  Now, labor shortages is the top problem.

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