Blueberries as a cash crop can generate significant income for farmers. Canadian wild and cultivated blueberries production in 2015 was 166,000 tonnes valued at $262 million. According to research by Robert E. Gough in 1994, the average farm brought in 6,000 lbs an acre. With good soil and care, this can earn around $30,000.
Production and Profit
A mature blueberry plant can produce 5-20 lbs of berries per year with proper care, lasting for 40-50 years. For example, Hammonton, New Jersey, with 56 farms in a town of 14,000 people, calls itself “the Blueberry Capital of the World.” An acre with 2,178 plants at peak production can yield over 40,000 lbs, which at $5 per lb translates to $200,000 per year.
Growing Conditions and Challenges
Ideal growing conditions for blueberry plants include moist, well-drained, acidic soil with high organic content. On the other hand, growing blueberries can be challenging due to issues such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor quality fruit. Typically, between 1,300 to 2,000 blueberry plants are planted per acre. It can take 2-3 years for a plant to mature and start producing fruit.
Marketing Blueberries
Marketing strategies for blueberries include selling at roadside stands, pick-your-own operations, on-farm sales, or farmer’s markets. There are well-established wholesale markets for both fresh and frozen blueberries. Furthermore, selling berries through growers’ cooperatives is another option.
Starting commercial blueberry farming is relatively simple, even for beginners. It is recommended to gain practical training from an experienced farmer first. Common mistakes can lead to decreased yields and financial losses, but with the right guidance, new farmers can thrive in this industry.
To begin, one can start with small bushes (2 to 3-year-old plants) which are available for purchase from nurseries in late Autumn and winter. Selecting the right blueberry variety is essential for success, as each variety offers distinct flavors, sizes, and harvest times. Certified organic blueberries sell for more than non-organic ones.
Interesting Facts
Blueberries have found their way into a variety of products, including delicious pies and spa treatments, and are enjoyed all over, especially when wild in Maine.