RALEIGH, N.C. — It’s a good time to check out the bounty of the state’s farmers’ markets and their locally grown produce. Many come to buy blueberries, but the "superfood" fruit took a big hit in one part of the state. It led to a shortage.
"I think we still have half a crop in that southeastern North Carolina region," said North Carolina State University blueberry specialist Bill Cline. A half crop in the southeast region is a big hit to the state’s overall supply.
North Carolina produces an average of 40 to 50 million pounds of blueberries a year. Half of that production comes from Bladen County where growers suffered a rare 1-2 punch.
Cline says the economic impact on growers was significant and now the domino effect is raising prices for consumers.
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