N.C. strawberry growers expect strong season


RALEIGH – Despite a late cold snap, local strawberry growers are expecting a strong season that will last until the first part of June.

“The winter was challenging, but local growers prevailed by using a combination of row covers and irrigation to preserve the crop with minimal loss,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

Growers in the southeastern part of the state have already started picking. Consumers in the Piedmont can expect to find berries by early May. And those in Western North Carolina should see berries from the first of May through the first half of June. Berries should be in good supply across the state by Mother’s Day, May 10.

Several special events are planned to celebrate the season, including the N.C. Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn April 29-May 2. The annual celebration features a parade, scholarship pageant, live music and strawberry quality contests.

Strawberry Day events also will be held May 14 at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh, May 15 at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market in Charlotte, May 22 at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax and May 29 at the Western N.C. Farmers Market in Asheville. The events will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and include free samples of strawberry ice cream, strawberry recipe brochures, an appearance by Suzy Strawberry and plenty of fresh, local strawberries for purchase. The Raleigh and Colfax events also will have a strawberry recipe contest with cash prizes.

North Carolina is the nation’s fourth-largest producer of strawberries and has the country’s largest fresh market for strawberries. Consumers can find local strawberries at roadside stands, farmers markets, area grocery stores and pick-your-own farms across the state.

To find locations near you, go to www.ncfarmfresh.com or www.ncstrawberry.com.