Oregon growers display fruits of their labor, July 11

Statistics show Oregon is among the leading producers of many fruit & nut crops.  Oregon is a veritable cornucopia, producing a “horn of plenty” filled with high quality tree fruit, berries, and a type of nut not grown anywhere else in the United States. Newly released national statistics show the state is a leader in production of many types of non-citrus fruits. Many of these delicious crops are in season or will be soon. “We produce a variety of high quality fruits and nuts that are valued in our local markets, national markets, and in export markets around the world,” says Lindsay Eng, Director of Market Access and Certification for the Oregon Department of Agriculture. More than 225 different agricultural commodities are produced in Oregon. Many of them are fruit crops. Oregon leads the nation in production of several berry crops. But behind the numbers is the fact that the state’s climate and fertile soils– along with the skill and expertise of the growers–  produce a great tasting, high-quality food product that is enjoyed by consumers far and wide.  Cranberry production on the southern Oregon coast fell last year to 401,000 barrels and a decreased production value of $10.4 million. Oregon ranks fourth in cranberry production behind Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.