Overview of Profits
Strawberry farming can be a profitable business. Prices ranged from $1.60 per pound for fresh strawberries to $0.30 per pound for processed strawberries. At these prices, gross income per acre can reach $21,440. Profits, however, vary by region.
Regional Differences and Challenges
California’s 68,000 pounds per acre contrasts with New York’s 3,200 pounds per acre. Strategic pricing and marketing, as well as direct farm sales through U-pick operations, can generate significant income. Despite the challenges posed by weather, quality control, and finding buyers, the potential to run a thriving business is present.
Earning Potential
With careful planning and effort, small farms can also profit from quality niche markets. Upfront costs like plants and labor affect profitability. Florida produces hundreds of millions of pounds, and overall, California earns $400 million annually from strawberries.