Florida Blueberries are a Win-Win for everyone

In the beginning of the Florida blueberry business, there were many skeptics. But with a harvest that has tripled in 10 years and roughly 25,000,000 pounds being harvested this year, attitudes are changing. And even though blueberries are an expensive crop to grow, they have proven to be profitable for Florida growers. Part of the credit for the success of the industry belongs to the University of Florida scientists. The U of F Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Plant Innovation Program is responsible for developing cultivars and breeding techniques which have helped produce almost all of the southern highbush blueberries grown in the state.

They had to overcome problems with soil, pollination, water, and diseases. And, thanks to their efforts, Florida blueberries are large, sweet, and high-yielding. They also claim that more varieties are on the way. Some of the success of Florida blueberries has to do with machine-picking the berries. There is not a need for a large labor force, which can sometimes create problems. Also, unlike blueberries from other parts of the country and the world, Florida blueberries are available practically all year long. With earlier ripened berries, Florida blueberries are slowly overtaking other markets with their extended season.

Florida’s main competitors in the market are Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, the Pacific Northwest United States, Chile, and Argentina. During past year, the Florida blueberry harvests had a very high yield along with desirable prices. People could afford them, and growers made a profit. It is a win-win situation for all.

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