Three cranberry growers located in Bourne, Marstons Mills, and Sandwich within Cape Cod have been selected for state grants aimed at bog renovation. The initiative, which caps at $25,000 per acre with a ceiling of $125,000, seeks to elevate Massachusetts' competitive edge against leading cranberry producers such as Wisconsin and Quebec. This is achieved through the rejuvenation of aged bogs and the introduction of new, more productive cultivars.
In a recent announcement by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll during the Agriculture Day Celebration on April 3, it was revealed that over $3 million in grants would be allocated to assist Massachusetts farmers. These funds are directed towards enhancing cranberry bog restoration, composting, food safety, and business planning. Brian Wick, the executive director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association, emphasized the significance of the bog renovation program for local cranberry producers. The association, representing approximately 330 growers across southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and the Islands, highlighted the challenges faced due to the antiquated and fragmented nature of Cape cranberry bogs, which predominantly cultivate heirloom varieties.
The grant facilitates the modernization of cranberry cultivation through techniques such as laser leveling and the replacement of old vines with new, higher-yielding varieties. These modern cultivars are capable of producing larger berries, aligning with market demands. Massachusetts is recognized as the second-largest cranberry producer in the United States, contributing 28% of the national output, trailing behind Wisconsin. Cranberries represent the state's most valuable agricultural food commodity, generating an annual crop value of $73.4 million and supporting nearly 6,400 jobs, thereby delivering a substantial economic impact of over $1.7 billion to the Massachusetts economy.
Source: eu.capecodtimes.com