The cranberry industry in Massachusetts is facing growing difficulties as rising production costs and shifting climate conditions threaten its long-term viability. Fourth-generation farmer Jarrod Rhodes, who operates Edgewood Bogs LLC, has decided to retire over 30 acres of cranberry bogs and restore them to natural wetlands. This decision follows a state program that provides financial compensation to farmers who convert unprofitable bogs into protected wetlands. The process is supported by state and federal grants, allowing the Rhodes family to reinvest the proceeds into more productive fields. The state’s Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) runs the initiative, which also aims to protect native ecosystems by restoring wetlands while offering financial support to retiring farmers. DER’s goal is to restore 1,000 acres over the next decade, highlighting the growing trend of agricultural land being repurposed for ecological conservation.
Rhodes explained that the increasing costs in Massachusetts, including labor, utilities, and real estate, are making cranberry farming less profitable compared to other regions like Wisconsin or Canada. “It kind of all adds up, and it becomes a lot more expensive to grow here versus Wisconsin or Canada,” he said. Karen Cahill, deputy executive director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, echoed these concerns, noting that the smaller scale of operations in Massachusetts contributes to higher costs. She pointed out that Wisconsin’s larger acreage allows for economies of scale, making production more cost-effective.
In response to these challenges, the Rhodes family has taken advantage of a state program aimed at retiring and restoring bogs. The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) offers financial assistance through grants and conservation easements, enabling farmers like Rhodes to transition out of the industry while contributing to environmental restoration. The program also ensures that the land remains protected as wetlands, preventing future development. Krista Haas from DER mentioned that land must be legally protected before restoration begins, placing deed restrictions to prevent certain activities like development. These conservation easements are often facilitated through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) Program.
Rhodes emphasized that many growers are now considering retiring their bogs due to financial pressures, especially as younger generations are less inclined to pursue farming. “Some are nearing retirement, and younger generations are not as interested,” he said. The Rhodes’ wetland restoration project is set to be completed in spring 2026, reflecting a broader trend in the industry. DER’s executive director, Beth Lambert, said the agency’s goal is to restore 1,000 acres over the next 10 to 15 years, underscoring the significance of this shift in agricultural priorities towards ecological conservation.