‘Blueberry OG’ Jeff Williamson Retiring After Decades of Service to the Industry

by SHAYLYNN MARKS

For more than three decades, Dr. Jeffrey Williamson has been a leading expert for Florida blueberry growers, helping the industry address production challenges through research, education, and collaboration. His close work with and advocacy for Florida blueberry growers will be missed when he retires July 31.

As a longtime University of Florida researcher and Extension specialist, Williamson focused his career on providing growers with science-based information they could apply in the field. 

Williamson joined the University of Florida Fruit Crops Department in 1987, initially working as a citrus Extension specialist. A few years later, his focus expanded to temperate fruit crops, including peaches and blueberries. That transition eventually led him to become a statewide blueberry Extension specialist, a position that allowed him to work closely with growers throughout Florida for many years.

His involvement came during a critical period for the crop.

“Jeff is a blueberry OG,” says Ryan Atwood, a Florida grower and former president of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association.

Atwood says he first met Williamson while attending FBGA meetings as a young Extension agent and remembers hearing him provide research updates to growers during the industry’s early years.

“Back then, blueberries were a new emerging crop in Florida that were not well understood,” Atwood says. “Jeff was one of the few UF employees that knew about blueberry production and was a go-to faculty [member] on the subject.”

Throughout his career, Williamson served as an important link between university research and commercial production. He organized dozens of educational events, including more than 60 grower field days, seminars, and training programs. These events provided opportunities for growers to learn about new research, discuss production issues and exchange ideas with others in the industry.

Williamson also supported industry communication and leadership through his involvement with the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. He served on the FBGA Board of Directors as education director for many years and helped guide industry outreach as liaison editor of The Blueberry News.

His research addressed a wide range of production needs. Early efforts included helping expand access to disease-management tools for blueberry growers at a time when limited options were available. His later work explored topics such as irrigation and nutrient practices, plant growth regulators, mechanical harvesting and the potential use of rootstocks in commercial blueberry systems.

Williamson was inducted into the Florida Blueberry Growers Association Hall of Fame in 2024. The honor recognized his years of service as a University of Florida professor and researcher whose work contributed to advancements in small fruit production and improved management practices for growers.

“His contributions were extremely important to the success of the industry over the past three decades,” Atwood says. “Thanks to all Jeff has done for the Florida blueberry-growing community!”

The FBGA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the advancement of Florida blueberries. Williamson’s induction highlights a career defined by research, outreach and a commitment to helping growers succeed.

As Williamson moves into retirement, his influence remains visible across the industry he helped support — through the growers he worked with, the research he advanced and the educational foundation he helped build for future generations.