1. An Overview of Florida’s Blueberry Industry Jeff Williamson Horticultural Sciences Dept. IFAS, University of Florida

2. Florida’s Blueberry History Between 1948 and 1950 Professor Sharpe began a blueberry breeding program at the University of Florida. Between 1948 and 1950 Professor Sharpe began a blueberry breeding program at the University of Florida. In 1976 Sherman and Sharpe released the first southern highbush cultivars – Sharpblue and Flordablue. In 1976 Sherman and Sharpe released the first southern highbush cultivars – Sharpblue and Flordablue.

3. Florida’s Blueberry History In 1982 Mr. Herald Krupka shipped the first SHB blueberries (Sharpblue and Flordablue) out of state and received $5/pound at the New York market. In 1982 Mr. Herald Krupka shipped the first SHB blueberries (Sharpblue and Flordablue) out of state and received $5/pound at the New York market.

4. Florida Blueberry History During the mid-1980’s large plantings of early-season rabbiteyes and some southern highbush were planted in northwest and north-central Florida. During the mid-1980’s large plantings of early-season rabbiteyes and some southern highbush were planted in northwest and north-central Florida. In the 1990’s, as better cultivars were developed, southern highbush largely replaced early-season rabbiteyes. In the 1990’s, as better cultivars were developed, southern highbush largely replaced early-season rabbiteyes.

5. Florida’s Blueberry Acreage

6. Florida Blueberry Production (million pounds)

7. Value of Florida Blueberry Industry (million US dollars)

8. Average Price Per Pound of Berries (US dollars)

9. Blueberry Prices and Shipments

10. Florida’s Blueberry Industry Ranked 4 th in US in blueberry crop value in 2005 ($32,760,000). Ranked 4 th in US in blueberry crop value in 2005 ($32,760,000). Acreage increased from 1500 a (2000) to 2800 a (2006). Acreage increased from 1500 a (2000) to 2800 a (2006). 2005 statewide production: over 5 million pounds. 2005 statewide production: over 5 million pounds. Average berry price for the last seven years has varied from $4.00 to $5.00+ per pound. Average berry price for the last seven years has varied from $4.00 to $5.00+ per pound.

11. Cost of Establishment Land Preparation $1500 Land Preparation $1500 Pine bark (450 yd 3 ) $4500 Pine bark (450 yd 3 ) $4500 Plant costs (1800/a) $4500 Plant costs (1800/a) $4500 Overhead irrigation $4750 Overhead irrigation $4750 Labor (2 ½ years)$3000 Labor (2 ½ years)$3000 Chemicals $ 500 Chemicals $ 500 Total establishment costs $18,750 Total establishment costs $18,750

12. Harvest Costs Picking costs per flat $4.90 Picking costs per flat $4.90 Packing costs per flat $0.75 Packing costs per flat $0.75 Packing materials per flat $1.28 Packing materials per flat $1.28 Broker fee per flat $2.35 Broker fee per flat $2.35 Upkeep and maintenance $2.00 Upkeep and maintenance $2.00 Total costs per flat* $11.28 Total costs per flat* $11.28 *Many growers believe $12.00 per flat ($3.5/lb) is the approx. break even point.

13. Factors Influencing the Growth of Florida’s Blueberry Industry Improved cultivars Improved cultivars Sharpblue and Misty were the most widely planted cultivars until newer, improved, cultivars were released during the 1990’s. Sharpblue and Misty were the most widely planted cultivars until newer, improved, cultivars were released during the 1990’s.

14. Cultivar Development Newer cultivars such as Jewel, Emerald and Star have improved quality, increased yield and production efficiency, and advanced harvest date. Newer cultivars such as Jewel, Emerald and Star have improved quality, increased yield and production efficiency, and advanced harvest date.

15. Freeze Protection

16. Improved Packinghouse Facilities

17. Improved Pest and Disease Management

18. Summary Florida’s blueberry has steadily increased in acreage, value and crop production during the last 7 years. Florida’s blueberry has steadily increased in acreage, value and crop production during the last 7 years. Prices have remained high despite increased production. Prices have remained high despite increased production. New plantings indicate continued growth for the immediate future. New plantings indicate continued growth for the immediate future. Improved cultivars and cultural practices have resulted in consistent annual production Improved cultivars and cultural practices have resulted in consistent annual production For how long, and to what extent, will Florida’s blueberry industry continue to grow? For how long, and to what extent, will Florida’s blueberry industry continue to grow?

19. Thank You For more information visit the Small Farms web at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu For more information visit the Small Farms web at http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.eduhttp://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu Take a virtual field day tour by visiting the Virtual Field Day web at http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu Take a virtual field day tour by visiting the Virtual Field Day web at http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu This presentation brought to you by the Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Focus Team.