Advertisement

A Damp Start To Strawberry Season In New England

Strawberries are picked from the patch at Popp's pick-your-own farm in Dresden, Maine, in June. Rainy weather has deterred some New England pickers. (AP Photo)
Strawberries are picked from the patch at Popp's pick-your-own farm in Dresden, Maine, in June. Rainy weather has deterred some New England pickers. (AP Photo)

It is strawberry season in Massachusetts, but continued wet weather is taking a toll on berry crops.

Fruit all over the state is taking a beating this week. Farmer Jim Ward of Ward's Berry Farm in Sharon says he can't fill wholesale orders, and he closed the U-Pick fields because the strawberries are saturated.

"Some of them crack or burst, the skin is easily punctured by rough handling, so to pick and to sell is difficult when it's this wet," Ward said.

The high moisture and humidity also breed gray mold. While the drop in berry business is affecting berry farmers' bottom line, recent rain is benefitting other crops such as lettuce, arugula and peas.

This program aired on June 24, 2009. The audio for this program is not available.

Headshot of Andrea Shea

Andrea Shea Correspondent, Arts & Culture
Andrea Shea is a correspondent for WBUR's arts & culture reporter.

More…

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close