Governor Maura Healey is declaring October as "Massachusetts Cranberry Month" to celebrate the native crop and official fruit of the state. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle joined state and local officials along with representatives from Massachusetts Cranberries at Mayflower Cranberries Bog in Plympton to support and promote cranberry farmers in the region. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage residents and visitors to buy Massachusetts-grown cranberries and cranberry products to further support farmers and the local economy.
"Cranberry growing is an iconic part of our state's agricultural history," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "Our dedicated farmers engage in this labor of love year-round, using both wet and dry harvesting methods to boost our agricultural economy. Their commitment protects vital open spaces through responsible environmental stewardship. We will continue to support these essential farmers and this crucial Massachusetts crop to ensure a thriving future."
Massachusetts has the nation's longest history of growing cranberries. Today, there are more than 13,000 acres of commercial cranberry bogs in the state, primarily in Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable counties. In 2023, cranberries remained the number one agricultural commodity crop in the state, responsible for more than 6,400 local jobs and generating more than $1.7 billion in economic activity. In addition, cranberry growing provides enormous environmental benefits as growers maintain more than 60,000 acres of open space.
"Few crops are as instantly recognizable and tied to Massachusetts as the mighty cranberry, so it's only fitting that we celebrate this superfood in October when the harvest is at its peak," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "As growing conditions become more volatile, it's critical to provide our cranberry growers with resources that will allow them to adapt and thrive in a changing environment to ensure that our time-honored tradition of growing this ruby red fruit continues to flourish for future generations to enjoy."
Since 2020, MDAR has awarded over $5.6 million to 96 applicants for renovating 433 acres or growing space under the Massachusetts Cranberry Bog Renovation Enhancement Grant Program. The goal of this program is to help renovate existing cranberry bogs, providing higher yields and more efficient methods of cranberry production for participating growers.
Working closely with cranberry farmers and other stakeholder groups including Massachusetts Cranberries and the UMass Cranberry Station in Wareham, MDAR will continue to support best practices in water management and sustainable growing techniques that will help growers with climate resiliency and ensure that the sector will remain a staple and part of the agricultural landscape in the state in the face of unique 21st-century challenges.
"We are proud that the Healey-Driscoll administration has declared October as Cranberry Month," said Executive Director of Massachusetts Cranberries Brian Wick. "This proclamation recognizes the innovation and resourcefulness of our community of growers, as they continue to sustain their farms for future generations."
For more information:
Danielle Burney
Mass.gov
P.O. Box 8747,
Boston, MA 02114
Tel: +1 (857) 303-7286
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mass.gov