One of the earliest blueberry harvests in decades is now underway in Oregon and, by the end of the season, it could be one for the record books.

A mild winter and spring has led to excellent growing conditions. Combined with an increase in acres planted in blueberries, everything is ripe for a giant crop of the usual high-quality fruit.

The old record for Oregon blueberry production was set in 2013 at about 93 million pounds. Last year, production dropped a bit as hot weather reduced yields. Considering that less than 50 million pounds were produced a decade ago– and even that was a record at the time– well, it’s easy to see that these are heady times for Oregon blueberry growers.

Blueberries continue to be an Oregon success story, even if the state has lost a little ground in national rankings. About 9,300 acres produced 86.1 million pounds at a value of more than $106 million. Georgia emerged as the national leader in blueberry production followed by Washington, Michigan, then Oregon. But this could be the year the state emerges as the nation’s top blueberry producer, or close to it.

Blueberry harvest normally shifts into high gear after the Fourth of July. This year, production is at least three weeks ahead of schedule. With different varieties of blueberries planted around the state, the picking should continue well into the fall, which means Oregon consumers can enjoy fresh local blueberries for several more months– and beyond, if they consider freezing some of the berries.

With more Oregon blueberries on the market these days, exporting increases in importance. In 2011, a trade agreement was reached that made Oregon the first state allowed to ship fresh blueberries into South Korea. The first containers of this year’s crop are already headed across the Pacific.

South Korea is now the top export market for Oregon blueberries, but Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam are key markets as well.