News Room - News Release

Fall Harvest Season is Here & Local Farms are Ready!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2001

CONTACT: Diane Baedeker Petit
617-626-1752
Diane.Baedeker@state.ma.us

With the first nip of autumn in the air, Massachusetts farmers are gearing up to meet the demand for the colorful array of vegetables, flowers and ornamentals that will adorn homes across the Bay State this season. Local growers are harvesting an eye-catching array of seasonal treats that will put customers in the harvest-time spirit.

"After an erratic spring and summer, the weather has been superb," says Jim Wilson of Wilson Farm and President of the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association about this year's growing season.

"Local farmers have greatly expanded their fall product line over the last five years," says Wilson. Farmers are growing more varieties of squash including Delicata, Turban, Butternut, Blue Hubbard, Acorn, Golden Acorn and Buttercup.

According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture, Massachusetts growers harvested 2,187 acres of squash in 1997, up from 1,995 acres 10 years earlier. During that same period pumpkin production doubled to 2,271 acres.

"Halloween is the grand finale of the harvest season. For many farms it makes or breaks the season," says Wilson. Each year, Halloween is becoming a bigger decorating holiday. Farm straw, hay bales, gourds, Indian corn, Chinese Lanterns and of course pumpkins are some of the popular holiday decorative items.

Fall cut flowers such as calendula, zinnias, and snapdragons, as well as potted ornamental kales and fall mums are very popular too. Dried flower bouquets and wreaths can also contribute to a festive fall atmosphere.
Many vegetables harvested in the fall are at their best this time of year. According to Wilson, carrots are now at their sweetest, and leeks, broccoli, beets and cauliflower thrive in the cool weather as well.

"A trip to a local farm offers the quintessential experience of autumn in New England," says Jonathan L. Healy, Massachusetts Commissioner of Food and Agriculture. "A trip to the country in the crisp fall air, the aroma of fresh baked pies, the tang of apple cider, frost on the pumpkin and colorful scenery are part of the package when you visit a nearby farmstand."

The country comes to city dwellers each week at local farmers' markets with their colorful, festive atmosphere. Most farmers' markets stay open until the end of October with some open until Thanksgiving.

Free listings of farmstands, farmers' markets, pick-your-own farms and agritourism destinations are available from the state Department of Food and Agriculture. Call toll-free 1-877-MASSGROWN (1-877-627-7476).