Washington's blueberry crop growing to 45,000 tons, 4th largest production in nation

Washington blueberry growers expect to harvest 90 million pounds — 45,000 tons — of blueberries this summer.

The Washington Blueberry Commission says that's 10 million pounds more than last year and ranks the state fourth in the nation in blueberry production behind Michigan, Oregon and Georgia.

The commission says production is up because of Asian markets and awareness about the health benefits of blueberries against age-related diseases.

Washington has 175 growers with 10,000 acres — more than 15 square miles — of blueberries in Skagit, Clark, Lewis, Snohomish, Thurston, Whatcom, Chelan, Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla and Grant counties.