Florida Blueberry Growers Celebrate Strong Year Amidst Market Challenges

Winter Haven, Florida, USA - As we step into June 2025, the Florida blueberry industry is showing signs of resilience and growth, even in the face of weather-related challenges and operational hurdles. Growers across the state are reporting a strong production year, buoyed by good pricing and high-quality fruit, as indicated by Cameron Allison from Wild Goose Farms. While South Florida experienced lower production due in part to Hurricane Milton, farmers are generally optimistic. Kyle Straughn from Straughn Farms echoed this sentiment, highlighting record-breaking volumes with over 5 million pounds packed this year.

The 2024 season was marred by a chilly winter that delayed yields, but it gave the blueberries a chance to develop a superior quality. The 2025 growing season has seen similar colder temperatures, pushing harvest times back by two to three weeks. Yet, many in the industry remain cheerful, as the market has demonstrated stability longer than what growers have seen in previous years—certainly a welcome shift following the sharper price drops of April 2024.

Challenges & Innovations

Despite the positive production reports, the reality isn’t all rosy. Florida farmers are grappling with labor costs, which remain a significant challenge to profitability. Many have opted for machine harvesting to keep their operations competitive, particularly in light of rising expenses. This shift to automation has spurred investment in new blueberry cultivars developed by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), which are tailored for machine harvesting.

As noted in Specialty Crop Grower, at a recent panel discussion held in Citra, experts like Ryan Atwood and Kyle Straughn emphasized that mechanical harvesting is essential for the sustainability of the business. Given that Florida’s soils typically have less organic matter than those in Georgia, growers must invest in costly supplements to prepare their land, making the cost of production higher, as highlighted by Atwood.

Newer blueberry varieties, such as Optimus and Sentinel, are being adopted to enhance machine compatibility, and according to UF/IFAS, several recently introduced cultivars like ‚Colossus‘ and ‚Patrecia‘ show promising traits for commercial viability. This evolution in farming strategy reflects a broader trend of growers focusing on better genetics for improved efficiency and market competitiveness.

The Road Ahead

As we peer into the future, optimism reigns in the Florida blueberry community. Growers are shifting gears, investing in innovative practices that can facilitate better yields while lowering costs. The focus remains on evolving with the industry; machine harvesting is becoming the new norm, with many planning to enhance their harvesting capabilities. The sentiment is clear—by embracing new technology and genetics, Florida’s blueberry industry not only aims to sustain its current success but also intends to forge ahead despite increasing market pressures from competitors in Mexico and Georgia.

With about 5,700 acres of blueberries currently cultivated in Florida, growers recognize that the journey will have its ups and downs. However, the mix of good harvests, smart innovations, and a strengthening commitment to sustainability is paving the way for a bright and berry-full future.