Introduction – California and Florida are the top two strawberry producing states within the U.S., with California producing over 91 percent of the entire strawberry crop (NASS, 2021). Florida, however, produces the majority of the domestic winter strawberry crop (Florida Strawberry Growers Association).
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Do strawberries grow in California?
It’s almost always strawberry season in California. Farmers produce up to four million trays per week at the beginning of April and up to 9 million trays per week by May. California strawberry farmers are ready to capitalize annually on rising demand for the fruit during holidays such as Easter, and throughout the summer, when consumption of strawberries is highest.
What makes California such a great region for growing and harvesting strawberries, and how big is the market? Let’s find out! The Perfect Climate for Strawberries California supplies over 90% of America’s strawberries and the percentage is likely to increase. Part of the reason is the state’s Mediterranean-like climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Moderate temperatures year-round with sunny days and cool, humid nights create the perfect conditions for growing strawberries. Unlike Florida, the second strawberry-producing state in the US, where the berries can be harvested between March and November, California has a 12-month growing season.
- The climate and extended growing season make California’s fields extremely productive.
- About 75% of all California strawberries produced each year are harvested for the fresh fruit market, and 25% are frozen for the processed fruit market.
- While the majority of fresh California strawberries are sold in the United States, 16% are exported to Canada, Mexico, Japan and Hong Kong.
Strawberry Acreage Is Increasing There are about 52,700 acres in the United States dedicated to growing and harvesting strawberries, with California holding the vast majority of it – 38,200 acres, The earliest California strawberries are produced in Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, where the harvest spans from January through May, with the peak of the season being in April.
The Oxnard region (Ventura County), known for its Strawberry Festival, produces fresh strawberries from January through June. Northern regions, such as Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and Fresno counties, start shipping in April with the peak of the season being in May and June. The Size of the Market The United States produces more than 1.6 billion pounds of strawberries annually, valued at nearly $3.5 billion.
The value of the strawberry market in California is estimated at about $2.34 billion and is considered among the most valuable crop s in the state, along with dairy, grapes, almonds, cattle and calves and pistachios. Good marketing also plays a role in the size of the market.
- California Strawberry Commission launched a marketing campaign, “Snack with Heart,” aimed at encouraging consumption and connecting the heart of the farmers with the hearts of consumers.
- Using social media and digital media combined with influencer partnerships, the marketing campaign highlights the health benefits of California strawberries, to increase consumption.
Are You Ready to Enter the Market? California strawberries seem to be a good agribusiness investment. They produce a large amount of fruit and require only a modest amount of land to grow. The mild California climate makes it possible to harvest this crop almost all year round.
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Where does California grow strawberries?
Two-thirds of the California’s strawberry production occurs in the Santa Maria region, which includes the coastal regions of Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo, Northern Santa Barbara, and Monterey County (USDA 1999). Over a dozen varieties of strawberries are grown in California.
Where do strawberries come from in Florida?
Last Updated on February 12, 2023 You may associate strawberries with California, but did you know Florida is second in strawberry production? Florida strawberry farmers consist of 65 growers and over 10,000 acres that make up the Strawberry Growers Association! Source: Floral City Strawberry Festival Most Florida berries are grown in Plant City, also known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. This is because Florida strawberry season runs from Thanksgiving to Easter with planting beginning in October! Florida’s moderate winter temperatures are perfect for growing the berries!
Where are strawberries grown in France?
Dordogne Berry Valley – 60 percent of France’s strawberry production is grown right here in the Dordogne Valley and the heart of Valley production lies in and around the village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, This delightful sweet juicy and succulent berry has been gobbled up by Europeans the continent over.