USDA orders cranberry production cut

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Recognizing the growing glut of cranberries on the market,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered a 35 percent reduction in production
by growers. In Lakeville Ocean Spray Cranberries, which accounts for 70 percent
of industry sales, praised the government action which applies to the September
start of the growing season for the fruit. The Boston Globe, however, quoted one
competitor of Ocean Spray, Decas Cranberry Co. of Wareham as accusing the government
of bailing out Ocean Spray, adding that the problem was created by the Lakeville
cooperative and should be corrected by Ocean Spray. The Globe also said that some
growers would find it difficult to survive for a year under such restrictions.