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Yes.

Wisconsin is the leading producer of cranberries, according to the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. 

Wisconsin grew about 60% of the 2020 crop nationwide, according to the research arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  

Wisconsin was projected to produce 4.3 million of the total 7.44 million barrel crop in 2022, up 3% from the year prior.

Only four other states produce cranberries on a large scale. Massachusetts is the second largest producer, followed by New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. 

According to the state cranberry association, 250 producers grow cranberries on 21,000 acres across 20 counties in central and northern Wisconsin. The cranberry harvest spans from late September through October.

The cranberry industry has about a $1 billion economic impact in Wisconsin. Originally called “crane berries” for their resemblance to the red spots on sandhill cranes, the cranberry was designated Wisconsin’s state fruit in 2003.

Sources

Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association: About cranberries

US Department of Agriculture: U.S. cranberry harvest expected to be 5 percent larger in 2022

NBC15: Wisconsin expected to lead U.S. in cranberry production

State of Wisconsin: State Symbols

US Department of Agriculture: Cranberry production in top-producing States to increase modestly in 2021

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Hope Karnopp joined Wisconsin Watch as a reporting intern in May 2022. She is a journalism major and is pursuing certificates in public policy and environmental studies at UW-Madison. Hope previously covered state politics as an intern for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She also works with the Daily Cardinal and hosts a radio segment about campus news for WORT-FM, which has been recognized by the Milwaukee Press Club.