INSIDE FLORIDA'S BLUEBERRY INDUSTRY - Early Season Advantage: Florida's blueberry industry benefits from being the first to produce blueberries domestically each year, which allows it to meet consumer demand for fresh blueberries during a critical window. - Partnership with University of Florida IFAS Breeding Program: The industry's close collaboration with the University of Florida IFAS breeding program provides growers access to advanced research, technology, and new varieties before they hit the market, boosting productivity and innovation. - Development of Southern Highbush Variety: The University of Florida played a pivotal role in creating the southern highbush blueberry variety, which is now widely grown in Florida and the Southeast. This variety was developed through crossbreeding, enhancing the region's blueberry production. - Adapting to Market Dynamics: Florida blueberry growers face rising production costs and competition challenges. To address these, the industry focuses on replanting with higher-yielding varieties suitable for machine harvesting, thereby improving efficiency and reducing labor costs. - Weather Impact: Favorable weather conditions, including adequate chill during necessary months, have supported blueberry production in Florida, with no significant weather events hindering output. - Challenges: Despite successes, the industry faces ongoing challenges like labor availability and costs, intensified by global competition. Continuous adaptation and innovation are necessary to navigate changing market dynamics to maintain profitability. Source: IBO
SUSTAINING SUCCESS: INSIDE FLORIDA’S BLUEBERRY INDUSTRY. Florida is the first state to domestically produce blueberries in the calendar year, this early start grants it a competitive edge in the US market, enabling it to capture consumer demand (...) 🌐 https://lnkd.in/ei-2m2ix