Wisconsin Cranberry Board Invests $1.1M in 2026 Programs

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Cranberry Board has approved nearly $1.1 million in funding for 2026 programs aimed at strengthening the state’s cranberry industry through research, education, and market development.

The board, made up of seven elected growers representing more than 250 cranberry marshes, directs assessment funds to initiatives that support long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

Funding is generated through a $0.25 per barrel assessment on all cranberries produced in Wisconsin. This rate was increased in 2024 after grower approval, reflecting a shared commitment to reinvest in the industry’s future. In 2025, growers harvested about 4.8 million barrels, providing resources to support ongoing programs.

“These investments reflect a coordinated effort to keep Wisconsin’s cranberry industry competitive, resilient, and forward-looking,” said Grant Holley, executive director of the Wisconsin Cranberry Board.

“By supporting research, education, and health initiatives, we are ensuring growers have the tools, knowledge, and market support needed to adapt to changing conditions and continue delivering a highquality crop.”

Approximately $375,000 will fund research led by the University of Wisconsin, the University of Massachusetts, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. These projects focus on disease management, climate resilience, and developing improved cranberry varieties. Additional support extends to industry partners like Ocean Spray Cranberries.

Another $618,721 is allocated for education and outreach programs through the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association and the Wisconsin Cranberry Research and Education Foundation. These efforts include grower training, consumer awareness campaigns, and international market outreach.

Up to $125,000 is designated for health-related research through the Cranberry Institute, exploring the role of cranberries in human health and gut health benefits.

“Wisconsin’s cranberry industry has a long history built on hard work, innovation, and pride in what we grow,” said John Moss, president of the Wisconsin Cranberry Board and owner of Elm Lake Cranberry.

“As growers, we are also stewards of the land, and these investments help ensure we are caring for our marshes, making informed management decisions, and keeping this industry strong for the next generation.”

Photo Credit: wisconsin-cranberry-growers-association