Often asked: How Big Is The Blueberry Industry In Florida?

Which state is the biggest producer of blueberries in the world?

In total, fresh and processed cultivated blueberries were valued at $720.2 million. Michigan was the nation’s leading producer of cultivated blueberries; the state produced and utilized 110 million pounds valued at $130.4 million. The three following top producers were Washington, Oregon, and Georgia.

How does blueberries contribute to Florida agriculture?

Florida blueberries are the first to ripen in the country and have a very short and sweet season. Fruits in Florida have been developed to accommodate Florida’s climate and blueberries are no exception. Blueberries require “chill hours” or an amount of time where the fruit tree is exposed to cooler temperatures.

Is a blueberry farm profitable?

How much can an acre of blueberries make a year? Once your blueberry bushes reach maturity they could produce from 5,000 to 20,000 pounds a year. If they all sold for $4.00 a pound this means that you could make anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 an acre a year once they reach maturity.

Where are blueberries grown in Florida?

Major Production Areas Blueberries for commercial fresh fruit shipping are grown in three major areas of Florida. The north central area includes Alachua, Marion, Putnam, Sumter, and Lake Counties and accounts for about 40% of the blueberry acreage planted for commercial shipping in Florida.

What happens if you eat blueberries everyday?

According to a few studies, a bowl of blueberries can help in boosting immunity and can reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart diseases. Moreover, consuming a small portion of berries daily can help in strengthening the metabolism and prevent any kind of metabolic syndrome and deficiency.

Who is the largest exporter of blueberries?

In 2020, Peruvian exports of blueberries amounted to US$1.020 billion, up 23.4 per cent compared to 2019 (US$826 million).

Will blueberries grow in FL?

Two types of blueberries grow well in Florida, rabbiteye (Vaccinium virgatum) and southern highbush (interspecific hybrids of V. darrowii, V. virgatum, and V. corymbosum).

Where are the best blueberries from?

Blueberry bushes can pop up all over the U.S., and while 38 states grow blueberries commercially, ten states account for more than 98% of U.S. commercial production: California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington.

What is the biggest blueberry?

The heaviest blueberry weighs 16.20 g (0.57 oz), and was achieved by David and Leasa Mazzardis (both Australia), in Wilbinga, Australia, on 20 September 2020. The blueberry belongs to the Ozblu variety, which is known for its large size.

How many years does it take for a blueberry bush to produce fruit?

It can take three to four years before they will produce fruit. Blueberries also produce better if they are cross pollinated. This means that growing blueberry bushes of different varieties will help with their production.

How much is an acre of blueberries worth?

The United States Department of Agriculture says that a mature planting of blueberries can return as much as $3,000 per acre with correct marketing, management, and growing. Of course, the best choice for the small-farm grower with a good crop of blueberries is direct sales.

What is a good price for blueberries?

The average market price for fresh and processed wild blueberries was $0.60 per pound (NASS, 2015).

How hard is it to grow blueberries in Florida?

Blueberries require a well-drained soil of at least 18 inches in depth. Both rabbiteye and Southern highbush thrive on acidic soils, which contain more organic matter than is usually found in Florida soils. Peat moss can be incorporated into the soil at or prior to planting. Set plants in a sunny area.

What Blueberries grow best in Florida?

Two types of blueberries grow well in Florida: rabbiteye and southern highbush. If you’re in the northern half of the state, plant rabbiteye, but if you’re in the southern half, choose the southern highbush. Both kinds of blueberries require acidic, well-drained soils.

How long is blueberry season in Florida?

Mid-April through May is the hot time for picking your own blueberries at Florida’s blueberry farms, after commercial growers have already harvested much of their crops.