The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it will purchase up to 68 million pounds of cranberries in an attempt to stabilize prices for growers.
After record harvests in Wisconsin and Canada, an oversupply of cranberries means growers are getting between 10 to 19 cents per pound. According to Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association Executive Director Tom Lochner, they need around 25 to 30 cents per pound to break even.
Lochner said growers asked USDA to buy around 30 million pounds worth of excess cranberry products. The department instead agreed to purchase double that.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
“We appreciate it and think it will go a long way toward addressing some of the supply issues the industry is facing after a couple years of record crops,” said Lochner. “It’s also a good thing for feeding programs at USDA.”
The cranberry products will likely be distributed to school lunch programs and food pantries. Lochner said prices for consumers may increase while the market stabilizes.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
