News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2004

CONTACT:
David Webber, 617-626-1754 or David.Webber@state.ma.us

Massachusetts Strawberries - Ripe and Ready!

The Massachusetts strawberry crop is ready, so plan a trip to a local farm and "pick your own." A list of Massachusetts Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farms is available on-line at http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/strawberries_pyo.htm. The Massachusetts strawberry season typically lasts from the second week of June until around the 4th of July.

Massachusetts boasts 267 acres of strawberries on 155 farms, according to the 2002 United States Agricultural Census.

Jeff Cole of Silvermine Farm in Sutton and Executive Director of the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets says the local strawberry season is looking good. "The recent rains have not caused any significant damage and there are plenty of great berries available." Cole, who grows 3 ½ acres of pick-your-own strawberries at his families' farm in Sutton is gearing up for Fathers Day weekend, "typically our busiest weekend" for strawberry picking.

PYO operations - where customers pick their own crops in the field - offer some of the freshest produce available. The Massachusetts Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farm listing provides the address, phone number and directions, but it's always best to call ahead for hours and conditions. Many PYO operations also offer hayrides, baked goods and farm animal petting zoos.

If you can't get out to the fields, ask for fresh Massachusetts strawberries at your local supermarket, farmstand or local farmers' market. Visit www.mass.gov/massgrown for more information.