海角社区

The blueberry industry in the United States is a thriving sector of agriculture, supplying both fresh and processed markets across the country and beyond. With production spanning from Florida to Washington, blueberries are grown in diverse climates, allowing for a harvest season that stretches from early spring through late summer. The industry has expanded rapidly due to strong consumer demand, advancements in farming techniques, and research-driven improvements in yield and quality. Whether sold fresh, frozen, dried, or processed into juices and baked goods, blueberries have become a staple crop, contributing significantly to the US agricultural economy.

10. Mississippi - 1,824,000 lbs

Mississippi has a robust blueberry industry, as highlighted by the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, which reported that 493 farms cultivate nearly 1,000 acres of blueberries. The state primarily grows rabbiteye and southern highbush varieties, which thrive in Mississippi鈥檚 warm climate and acidic soils. However, the industry has faced significant challenges in recent years.

Blueberry growers experienced severe setbacks due to a combination of extreme weather events. A late frost damaged early blooms, and the subsequent heat and drought devastated the plants. Unirrigated bushes suffered particularly serious damage, especially those grown in mulch.

This situation underscores the vulnerability of blueberry production to unpredictable weather patterns. While Mississippi farmers have traditionally relied on irrigation and careful soil management, the 2023 growing season highlighted the need for more resilient strategies. This includes improving irrigation infrastructure and adopting drought-resistant practices.

9. Indiana - 3,500,941 lbs

Blueberry farming plays a significant role in Indiana's agricultural landscape, especially in the northern region of the state. According to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, Indiana is home to 277 blueberry farms that collectively cover approximately 2,600 acres. Most of these farms are located in LaPorte, Porter, and St. Joseph counties, where the sandy, well-drained soils and cool climate create ideal conditions for growing blueberries.

Indiana primarily produces northern highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), which thrive in the region's moderate summer temperatures. The state's growers focus on both fresh market sales and processing, with many farms offering U-pick operations that attract visitors during the summer months.

8. Florida - 21,410,000 lbs

Florida is a leading producer of early-season blueberries in the United States, boasting a thriving industry that provides fresh fruit to markets before northern states begin their harvests. Florida is home to 309 blueberry farms, which collectively cover approximately 5,700 acres. The state鈥檚 warm climate enables an early harvest, typically starting in March and peaking in April and May, giving Florida growers a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Florida primarily cultivates southern highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), which are well-suited to the state's climate. These varieties thrive in well-drained, acidic soils, particularly in central and northern Florida, where the majority of production is concentrated. Key blueberry-growing regions include Alachua, Putnam, and Highlands counties.

The industry benefits from advancements in breeding and technology, as researchers develop heat-tolerant and early-ripening cultivars to enhance production efficiency. Florida's blueberries are mostly sold as fresh-market fruit, often commanding high prices due to their early availability.

7. New Jersey - 50,150,000 lbs

New Jersey has a long and rich history of blueberry production, earning it the nickname 鈥淭he Blueberry Capital of the 海角社区.鈥� The state is one of the top producers in the US with 254 blueberry farms covering approximately 8,500 acres. The majority of production is centered in Atlantic County, particularly in and around Hammonton, which has been a hub for blueberry farming since the early 1900s.

New Jersey primarily grows northern highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), a variety well-suited to the state鈥檚 climate and soil conditions. The harvest season typically begins in late June and extends through mid-August, supplying both fresh and processed markets. Blueberries are a major economic driver in the state鈥檚 agriculture, with New Jersey consistently ranking among the top five blueberry-producing states in the country.

The state鈥檚 blueberry industry benefits from strong agricultural research, modern harvesting techniques, and sustainable farming practices. Many New Jersey farms utilize integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and efficient irrigation systems to ensure high yields and fruit quality. With a well-established reputation and a thriving market, New Jersey remains a leader in blueberry production, providing high-quality fruit to consumers across the US.

6. North Carolina - 54,420,000 lbs

North Carolina is one of the leading blueberry-producing states in the U.S. According to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, the state has 417 blueberry farms that cover approximately 8,000 acres. Most of North Carolina's blueberry production is concentrated in the southeastern region, particularly in Bladen, Pender, and Sampson counties.

The state primarily grows two varieties of blueberries: rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei) and southern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum). Southern highbush blueberries ripen earlier in the season, enabling North Carolina to supply fresh blueberries to the market as early as May. In contrast, rabbiteye blueberries extend the harvest season into July and August.

North Carolina's blueberry industry benefits from a variety of growing conditions, advanced cultivation techniques, and strong research support from institutions like North Carolina State University. Many farms utilize drip irrigation and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to achieve high yields and premium fruit quality.

5. California - 64,130,000 lbs

California has emerged as a significant player in blueberry production in the United States. According to the 2022 US Census of Agriculture, the state has 436 blueberry farms that cover approximately 7,500 acres. California's diverse climate allows for an extended growing season, with blueberries being harvested from March through July. This makes California one of the few states capable of supplying fresh blueberries over an extended period.

The state primarily cultivates southern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and northern highbush blueberry varieties. The southern highbush varieties thrive in the warmer climates of the San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California. These regions benefit from mild winters and dry summers, which contribute to the production of high-quality fruit with consistent yields.

4. Michigan - 86,800,000 lbs

Michigan ranks among the top states in the U.S. for blueberry production. According to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, there are 462 blueberry farms in the state, covering approximately 20,000 acres. The combination of Michigan's cool climate, sandy soils, and plentiful water resources makes it an ideal location for growing blueberries.

Most of the blueberries in Michigan are cultivated in the southwestern region, particularly in Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa, and Berrien counties. These areas benefit from the moderating effects of Lake Michigan, which helps to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations that can harm the crops..

3. Georgia - 99,060,000 lbs

Georgia is one of the leading states in blueberry production in the United States. According to the 2022 US Census of Agriculture, the state has 419 blueberry farms that cover approximately 17,000 acres. Blueberry farming is mainly concentrated in southeastern Georgia, particularly in Bacon, Clinch, Appling, and Coffee counties, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing high-quality berries.

Farmers in Georgia primarily cultivate two types of blueberries: rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei) and southern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum). Southern highbush varieties allow farmers to harvest fruit as early as April, which gives them a competitive advantage in the early-season fresh market. In contrast, rabbiteye blueberries are more tolerant of heat and extend the harvest season into July and August.

2. Oregon - 128,870,000 lbs

Oregon is one of the top blueberry-producing states in the US, known for its high yields, exceptional fruit quality, and ideal growing conditions. The state had 484 blueberry farms covering approximately 15,000 acres. The majority of Oregon鈥檚 blueberries are grown in the Willamette Valley, where the mild climate, rich soil, and abundant rainfall create perfect conditions for blueberry cultivation.

Oregon primarily produces northern highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), which thrive in the cool summers and wet winters of the Pacific Northwest. The harvest season runs from June through September, with most berries sold for fresh and processed markets, including freezing, drying, and juicing. Oregon is a leading supplier of frozen blueberries, which are exported 海角社区wide.

1. Washington - 137,370,000 lbs

Washington is the largest producer of blueberries in the United States, featuring 525 blueberry farms that cover approximately 21,000 acres. The state鈥檚 cool climate, fertile soil, and abundant water resources create an ideal environment for growing high-quality blueberries.

Washington primarily grows northern highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), with the harvest season occurring from June to September. The state is a leader in both fresh and processed blueberry production, and a significant portion of the crop is frozen for distribution throughout the year..

Blueberry Production By US State