Raspberry crisis coverage in Capital Press
The July 24 story in Capital Press explains the plight of the red raspberry growers in Northwest Washington. Foreign growers are taking advantage of loopholes in trade laws and in some cases illegally dumping berries. Serbia and Mexico are of particular concern as much of the frozen and processed berries now comes from foreign farms rather than US grown.
KOMO TV highlights plight of Whatcom raspberry farmers facing increasing imports and unfair trade laws
Fourth generation berry farmer Marty Maberry explains to KOMO TV in this July 17 report how imported frozen berries from Mexico and Eastern European countries are threatening the future of the strong Whatcom berry community.
Farm leaders suggest that the 9000 acres of raspberries in Whatcom County could be cut in half in four to five years unless action is taken by our legislative leaders and administration officials.
KOMO TV reports that 90% of frozen raspberries produced in the US are grown in Whatcom County. Soil and weather conditions favor this area along with the multi-generational experience of farmers here who have been growing berries here since the 1940s.
What can administration officials and Congress do?
Here is what the Washington Red Raspberry Commission is requesting.
Western Washington raspberry farmers lose out to foreign imports and face a grim future
The Bellingham Herald Sunday July 15 edition brought wide-spread attention to the dire situation facing Whatcom County’s approximately 130 raspberry farmers. The accompanying video showing East Indian raspberry farmers suggests that there may be farmer bankruptcies related to the crisis of imported fruit.
KGMI Farming Show featuring Dillon Honcoop interview with Jon Maberry