From AP:

Blueberry harvest thrives in rainy N.J. weather

by The Associated Press

Friday June 19, 2009, 10:48 AM

HAMMONTON -- Rain that has left many New Jersey residents feeling blue has helped produce large, plump blueberries in the Garden State.

South Jersey farmers are scrambling to harvest the crop. They hope the rain eases before the fruit starts to swell and split.

Saed Hindash/The Star-Ledger

Detail photo of Blueberries out in the fields owned by the Winners Circle Blueberry Co. in Hammonton.

New Jersey has seen on and off showers and thunderstorms over the past two weeks, and the next few days should continue that trend. Today's partly sunny and above-80 temperatures are expected to give way to more showers and possible thunderstorms through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

But farmers hope the non-stop rain produces better blueberries -- and better business.

Anthony Berenato of Mohawk Farms in Hammonton said this year's starting prices for blueberries match the lowest price of the previous three years. That's $13.50 per box of 12 pints.

The farms have also been flooded with job applicants during the recession, including educated adults who lost their jobs.