Varietal conversion of blueberries in Florida from Rabbiteye to early 'southern highbush' varieties has led to increased potential for crop losses due to late winter and early spring frosts

The first week of February on the East Coast saw below freezing temperatures this year; Frost during February, March and April is a much bigger problem for Florida blueberry growers than might have been anticipated in the past. Despite the frigid winter, Florida's blueberry crop seemed to have narrowly escaped.

According to Douglas Phillips, Blueberry Extension coordinator for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida (UF/IFAS), most blueberry crops suffered minor damage at most. Some crops had some damage around the edges of a field or low spots that are difficult to protect from freezing.

This year, blueberries in Florida and Georgia they bloomed early, so the volumes have started to arrive early. Week 8 saw a total of 81 K kg of blueberries coming from Florida, while week 9 saw a total of 127 K kg. 

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics. (Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Florida growers have been particularly vociferous about competition from Mexico, especially after the  Section 201 investigation from last year. The Mexican blueberry season covers the period from September to June, with a peak between February and May, which overlaps with the Florida blueberry production window.  

To the dismay of Florida growers, due to a glut of blueberries arriving from Mexico, Peru and Chile, prices have plummeted this season. Prices in week 10 stood at $13,73 per pack, a 6 percent drop compared to last season. 

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics. (Agronometry users can view this chart with live updates here)

Peru has rapidly increased blueberry exports in recent years. It went from exporting 12.951 tons of fresh blueberries in the 2015/2016 season to 162.456 tons in the 2020/21 season. For the 2021/2022 season, Peru's projected exports are 211.200 tons of fresh blueberries. 

The volume of Chilean blueberries exported, fresh or frozen, has decreased by 24,1% year-on-year. While the Mexican berry industry expects growth of between 8 and 10 percent in 2022, according to a study by Agro-messages Abroad. 

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics. (Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Despite fierce competition, Florida growers are taking full advantage of the strong market for fresh blueberries that ripen before May 10. Beginning in mid-May, the Georgia and North Carolina blueberry harvests begin and prices typically drop to the point where commercial production in Florida conditions is unprofitable.

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All US domestic farm product prices represent the cash market at the point of shipment (ie, packing house/climate-controlled warehouse, etc.). For imported fruit, price data represents the spot market at the port of entry.

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