#United States #California #Economic Impact #USHBC #Blueberry Industry

Blueberries: An Impressive Economic Powerhouse for the U.S. Economy

In the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural influence, blueberries stand out as a remarkably impactful crop for the U.S. economy. Recent studies conducted by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) have revealed that blueberry growers and importers collectively contribute an astounding annual economic impact of nearly $9.1 billion. This equates to nearly $25 million every day, underscoring the fruit's vital role in supporting economic activities across the nation.

Kasey Cronquist, the president of USHBC, underscored the significance of these findings. He noted, "The new reports reaffirm what our industry has long recognized—blueberry growers have a powerful and positive impact on the U.S. economy." The commitment of growers and import partners ensures that blueberries are available year-round, not only fostering consumer access but also generating considerable job opportunities and economic benefits that ripple through various sectors.

Job Creation and Labor Income

One of the standout features of the blueberry industry is its ability to create and sustain jobs. Annually, the U.S. highbush blueberry industry, driven by both domestic growers and international partners, supports approximately 61,676 full-time equivalent jobs. This figure not only represents direct employment within the industry but also reflects the secondary job opportunities generated through increased economic activity. Moreover, when considering the broader blueberry supply chain—including processors and handlers—the actual employment impact would be even higher.

The labor income attributed to the blueberry business activities is remarkable, totaling about $3.3 billion each year. This figure translates to around $9.1 million daily, benefiting wages and salaries for new and existing employees, including overtime pay. The economic influence of this income extends further, as these funds are spent on essential goods and services such as housing, healthcare, and transportation, thereby invigorating local economies.

Indirect Business Taxes

Not only does the blueberry industry contribute directly to job creation and labor income, but it also plays a significant role in generating indirect business taxes. Approximately $277.9 million in indirect taxes is produced through business activities relating to highbush blueberries. This includes a range of taxes, demonstrating the extensive fiscal contribution of the industry without factoring in income taxes.

National and State-Level Economic Impact

Delving deeper into the local impacts, the U.S. highbush blueberry industry alone accounts for around $6.7 billion in economic contributions on a national scale. This corresponds to about $18.3 million daily and supports an estimated 49,260 full-time equivalent jobs within the U.S. Additionally, these growers generate nearly $2.4 billion in labor income annually, equating to approximately $6.7 million each day.

Eight states lead the production of highbush blueberries, significantly benefiting their local economies and demonstrating the crop's widespread impact:

• - Georgia: $917.3 million in economic impact, creating 6,840 jobs.
• - Washington: $710.6 million with 9,500 jobs.
• - California: $564.2 million and 3,850 jobs.
• - Michigan: $529.4 million and 6,100 jobs.
• - Oregon: $467.6 million and 4,330 jobs.
• - Florida: $414.9 million and 3,100 jobs.
• - New Jersey: $215.8 million and 2,425 jobs.
• - North Carolina: $164.5 million and 1,225 jobs.

The Role of Imported Blueberries

In addition to domestic production, the U.S. also relies significantly on imported blueberries from countries such as Canada, Chile, Mexico, and Peru. These imports meet strong consumer demand during seasonal gaps, integrating seamlessly into the U.S. market and further boosting the economy. The 2025 study established that imported blueberries account for nearly $2.4 billion in annual economic contributions, creating 12,415 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $876.2 million in labor income within the U.S.

For instance:

• - Peru contributes approximately $1.3 billion and 6,521 jobs.
• - Mexico adds $455 million and 2,325 jobs.
• - Chile provides $357.2 million and 1,825 jobs.
• - Canada contributes $348.9 million and 1,750 jobs.

Conclusion

The impressive economic footprint of the blueberry industry reflects its dual role as both a significant agricultural product and a key driver of economic growth in the U.S. Through job creation, labor income generation, and substantial tax contributions, blueberries truly embody a fruit that not only pleases the palate but also empowers the economy across the nation. As the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council continues to promote the growth and prosperity of this sector, one thing is clear: blueberries have become a quintessential part of America's agricultural landscape and economic framework.