About Cranberry Station
The UMass Cranberry Station provides research-based education and resources to Massachusetts growers regarding horticultural and pest management practices for environmentally sound cranberry production. The Station is a primary resource for issues related to cranberry farming in Southeastern Massachusetts, which is the largest agricultural enterprise in the region. Growers partner with our faculty and staff to study cranberries and share their experiences and conclusions. Our partners help us to identify key challenges for the cranberry industry and develop the research and educational programs to meet those challenges.
Our scholarly, applied research programs produce management recommendations that cranberry farmers implement to minimize environmental impact, maximize profit and ensure sustainability. Growers provide sites for field trials and consult with faculty during planning and implementation. Growers also host events and help evaluate outcomes to improve future efforts. The Cranberry Station works in close partnership with the Cape Cod Cranberry Grower’s Association to offer classroom education, bog-side workshops and on-site consulting. Educational programs are also targeted to public officials.
Results and information are shared broadly with the grower community, state agencies, public officials and the general public, predominantly in Massachusetts, but also throughout North America. A variety of print and web-based resources are employed to disseminate findings from our applied research programs. Research results are frequently published in scientific journals as well. One major product is our Best Management Practices guide which is produced through the collaborative efforts of cranberry farmers, USDA staff, and Cranberry Station personnel. The guide is continuously reviewed and frequently revised as we identify science-based practices that promote sustainable production and assure sound environmental stewardship. Growers use the guide to develop plans that demonstrate compliance with agricultural regulations required for farming in wetland areas.