Seasonal Insights and Industry Updates
In past articles, I have emphasized the importance of each quarter of the growing season and how blueberry farming is a year-round task that certainly doesn’t slow down for the holidays or the start of the new year. In late December, although the days are short and growth has slowed, the importance of decision-making increases. Changes in the political climate, labor contracts, marketing agreements, end-of-year expenses, pests, chill hours, and Dormex applications will have significant implications for how the harvest season unfolds.
Dr. Gilbert has announced UF’s commitment to funding projects through blueberry royalties. This concept and conversation was initiated by the FBGA and its research committee and represents exciting news for the industry. Additionally, the USHBC has announced a proposed assessment, which has been voted to double in the coming years.
USMCA and Florida Blueberry Industry Perspectives
Recently, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) sought stakeholder input on USMCA. The NABC supports USMCA, highlighting benefits such as tariff-free trade, integrated supply chains, and expanded markets for U.S. blueberries in Canada and Mexico. They attribute industry growth to USMCA, noting increased consumption, exports, and year-round availability, but emphasize the need for stronger enforcement of labor rules to reduce cost gaps.
Conversely, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) opposes the current USMCA framework. They cite economic harm caused by rising, unfair imports—mainly from Mexico—during Florida’s peak season, resulting in the loss of market share, revenue, and jobs across multiple crops, including blueberries. The FFVA attributes these issues to labor cost disparities and foreign government support for competitors.
The FFVA’s position, aligned with the Florida Blueberry Growers’ Board, reflects concerns over economic damage and long-term sustainability. We believe reforms are necessary to ensure fair trade practices and to protect domestic agriculture. As Florida growers, it is clear we will not benefit from trade with Mexico. Increased consumption and supply are good for the industry as a whole, but Mexican imports have only driven down prices due to increased supply during our window.
It is more important than ever to secure your labor force for the upcoming year. H-2A wages have dropped to the minimum wage rate of $14 per hour, which hopefully will help improve farmers’ bottom lines. However, the government shutdown complicated labor issues, leaving some growers without available labor. I urge all growers to stay informed about changing rules and policies related to your workforce, as the separation between growers and Florida Licensed Contractors (FLC) has diminished each year, according to legal experts like David Stefany.
Market focus is shifting back to Florida growers, with commitments and forecasts for the upcoming year’s domestic market. Although it is too early to tell, some marketers predict that Mexico will offer space in late March and every April to help us capture higher prices. It’s essential to study past year curves to make accurate predictions and commitments, ensuring fruit is pre-sold as needed. The more precise these forecasts, the better it is for everyone involved.
On the farm, deciduous growers are currently counting chill hours and making decisions about critical sprays for the year. As we reach similar chill levels to the past two years, most growers have sprayed with some confidence prior to Christmas. Growers to our south seem optimistic about their spraying weather, chill accumulation, and plant response, with some applications happening earlier than ever. While it’s still early to draw conclusions, Georgia appears to be fairly dormant, perhaps creating some space between our crops. If you are evergreen-ing your crop, be mindful of your last sprays to cover pests and diseases before bringing in bees for a long pollination period.
As we look ahead, staying adaptable and well-informed will be key to navigating the upcoming season’s challenges and opportunities. Continued collaboration and proactive planning will help ensure a successful harvest and sustainable industry growth. The FBGA is working hard to keep you informed and hold other industry organizations accountable. Let’s remain committed to best practices, regulatory awareness, and strategic marketing to achieve our goals for the upcoming year.
