8 States Leading the Way in Blueberry Production

Blueberry growers and importers deliver a powerhouse crop that contributes nearly $9.1 billion in annual economic impact to the U.S. economy, or nearly $25 million every day, according to new reports issued by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC).

Domestically, the U.S. highbush blueberry industry accounts for $6.7 billion in annual economic impact, or about $18.3 million per day, while creating and sustaining 49,260 full-time equivalent jobs supported by the business activities of U.S. growers. Additionally, U.S. highbush blueberry growers generate nearly $2.4 billion in labor income each year, equating to about $6.7 million per day, and indirect business taxes generated by grower spending totals nearly $193.1 million annually, or $529,000 per day, not including income taxes.

Eight states lead the way in U.S. highbush blueberry production, each contributing significantly to their state’s local economy and to the industry’s overall economic footprint.

Overall, according to the 2025 study, these states account for a substantial share of economic impact and jobs created:

State	Economic Impact (Millions/Annual)	Jobs Created (Full-time Equivalent/Annual)
Georgia	$917.3	6,840
Washington	$710.6	9,500
California	$564.2	3,850
Michigan	$529.4	6,100
Oregon	$467.6	4,330
Florida	$414.9	3,100
New Jersey	$215.8	2,425
North Carolina	$164.5	1,225

About the Study

The economic impact study was commissioned by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and conducted in February 2025 by Dennis Tootelian, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor at California State University, Sacramento. The analysis is based on U.S. highbush blueberry acres in production and in development. Projections are based on annual average expenditures, which means that this impact is expected to occur each year that such spending occurs. Acreage statistics were secured from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“The new reports reaffirm what our industry has long recognized — blueberry growers have a powerful and positive impact on the U.S. economy,” says Kasey Cronquist, President of the USHBC. “Thanks to the ongoing commitment of growers and our import partners, blueberries are available to consumers year-round, contributing to spending that helps create and maintain thousands of jobs and delivers billions in economic activity nationwide.”

For more information, the full economic impact study and analysis is available at ushbc.org.