Wisconsin Cranberry Board

Started in 1983, this market order board has seven members who represent more than 250 licensed cranberry producers. Its purpose is research, education, and marketing.

The board is responsible for managing an annual assessment that ranges between $300,000 and $400,000. The assessment rate is 10 cents per barrel of cranberries.

Wisconsin is the nation's leading grower of cranberries, producing about 4.5 million barrels in 2012. That figure represented about 60 percent of all the cranberries grown in the United States. Cranberries are Wisconsin's number one fruit, contributing more than $300 million to the economy and supports approximately 3,400 jobs across the state..

Cranberries are grown in 19 of Wisconsin's 72 counties, primarily in the central part of the state. The cultivation of this distinct fruit began in Wisconsin during the mid-1800s, and some marshes have been in production for more than 100 years.

The Wisconsin Cranberry Board directors, each of whom serves a three-year term, are:

• Stephen Brown, Wisconsin Rapids
• Nodji Van Wychen, Warrens
• Edward Gryqleski, Tomah
• William Wolfe, Nekoosa
• Scott Schultz, Warrens
• Mike O'Brien, Mercer
• Doug Rifleman, Wisconsin Rapids

More information about the board is available by writing to the Wisconsin Cranberry Board at PO Box 1351, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-1351 or phoning 715-423-2070 or faxing 715-423-0275.