Study shows cranberries are $388 million industry in Wis. - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

WHITEWATER (WKOW) -- New research shows Wisconsin's cranberry industry has a bigger impact on the state's economy than many previously thought.

The Fiscal and Economics Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater finds the industry is worth more than $388 million. Researchers say cranberries create more than 3,800 annual full-time jobs in Wisconsin.

Prices have doubled over the last year. Researchers say that's because people will pay a premium for cranberries, something that doesn't ordinarily happen with typical commodities.

Wisconsin has major cranberry growing and processing operations in seven counties: Sawyer, Vilas, Portage, Juneau, Jackson, Monroe and Wood. The state is first in the U.S. in cranberry production with 46 percent of the market.