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Raspberry and blueberry seasons underway for parts of Minnesota

Pre-picked and pick-your-own available mid- to late July

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Raspberry and blueberry seasons are underway in much of Minnesota. Farmers across the state are reporting fields full of ripening berries and anticipate a strong season. Many southern and metro producers started picking in July. Northern berries are expected to ripen for picking in mid- to late July, though the availability of pre-picked and pick-your-own berries varies from farm to farm.

Jessica Miles, Agricultural Marketing Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown Program, suggests calling ahead before visiting a berry farm.

“Calling ahead and checking with your farmer ensures availability of berries and favorable conditions,” said Miles. “Enjoy the plentiful berry crop this year by picking berries with your friends or family. Many farms are family-friendly and berry picking can be a fun and healthy summer day trip.”

As blueberries and raspberries take center stage, strawberries are still available in parts of northern Minnesota. Ter-Lee Gardens in Bagley opened the last week of June for strawberry sales, along with other berry patches in northern regions of the state. This makes for a delicious diversity of in-season berries available statewide.

The 2016 Minnesota Grown Directory boasts 63 summer raspberry producers and 31 blueberry farms selling pick-your-own, pre-picked berries, or both. By using the interactive map feature on the Minnesota Grown website, consumers can easily find local berry farms. The free, printed Minnesota Grown Directory is also available and has easy-to-use Quick Lists, an alphabetical index, and farms by region. Both resources can be found or ordered by visiting http://www.minnesotagrown.com. Consumers may also order a copy of the printed Minnesota Grown Directory by calling 1-888-TOURISM.

 

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