APEX, N.C. -- It may be a few short weeks before blueberry season is in full swing, but this is expected to be a good year for the crop.

• Cold winter didn't affect crop.
• Blueberry season begins in mid June.
• North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of blueberries in U.S.

The NC Department of Agriculture announced blueberries will be bountiful this summer despite the unusually cold weather during the first quarter of the year.

“Our blueberry growers have become accustomed to dealing with unusual weather,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “They have done an excellent job protecting the crop from frost this year, and overall, it is in very good condition. Consumers should expect fresh, North Carolina blueberries from now through July.”

Buckwheat Farm in Apex is currently busy with strawberry season and they expect blueberry season to kick off around the third week of June.

To celebrate the season, the Department of Agriculture will host two Blueberry Days in June.

The State Farmers Market in Raleigh will host “Blueberry Day” on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free blueberry dessert samples, fresh blueberries and recipes.

On June 22, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax will host its “Blueberry Day” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to enjoy free scoops of blueberry ice cream, recipes and more.

According to the NC Department of Agriculture, North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of blueberries in the nation. About 8,000 acres of blueberries are grown in the state.

In 2016, blueberry production was valued at $66.9 million. The Department also says most of the blueberries grown in the state are sold to retail stores.