Area cranberry growers are reporting uneven rainfall made for a challenging season, which could lead to a slight dip in production for this year’s harvest.

On Aug. 22, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced its forecast for Massachusetts’ cranberry harvest during the 131st Annual Meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association. The federal agency predicts a crop of 1.89 million barrels, down approximately 1 percent from last year’s crop figures. Overall, the U.S. cranberry crop is is projected to be 8.63 million barrels, up 3 percent from last year.

“This season has been challenging for growers from a weather perspective,” said Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association Executive Director Brian Wick. “Our growers have been thrown a constant barrage of weather conditions to manage. Despite these trials, many growers are optimistic that they will have a strong crop.”

Wicked said that earlier in the summer the maturing fruit faced high temperatures, high humidity and little rainfall.

Linda Burke, vice president of marketing and communication for the Wareham-based A.D. Makepeace Co., said the company is hesitant to weigh in on how the crop will fare this early. However, she said it appears the crop may surpass expectations.

“We are reluctant to predict the crop before the harvest has even begun, but early indications are for a pretty good year,” said Burke.

Wick also noted there is a chance the crop may beat last year’s yield.

“If all goes well from now until harvest, we may be fortunate and exceed the [National Agricultural Statistics Service] crop estimate with a nice bounce back from the lesser crop of 2017,” said Wick.

In addition to reviewing the crop forecast, the annual meeting featured a visit from Gov. Charlie Baker who lauded the recently signed Environmental Bond Bill. The bill provides for a $5 million investment in the UMass Cranberry Station in Wareham, a major source of horticultural research and support for the industry on new ideas and new ways of farming.

Funds will go toward constructing an enhanced laboratory space, including upgrades to help the station improve its research on water quality, pest management and reducing the environmental impacts of the cranberry industry.

According to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Massachusetts remains the country’s second largest grower of cranberries, harvesting 23 percent of the national crop. Wisconsin maintains the number one position, yielding about 64 percent of cranberries grown in the U.S. Other growers include New Jersey, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

The local cranberry harvest starts in early September and ends in late October or early November.