The UC Small Farm Program has helped lead the way in introducing blueberry production to California farmers. Advisors continue with blueberry field research and outreach to interested growers. Most early blueberry acreage planted in California was on smaller farms, while larger parcels are also being planted with blueberries.

From Santa Clara to San Diego counties, each Small Farm Program advisor has some expertise with growing and selling California blueberries. Methods for staying competitive in the blueberry market vary by region.

Blueberry field day

• Presentations from 2009 Blueberry Field Day
• Information from the 2008 Week of Blueberries
• Video: Small Farm Program's work, specifically with blueberries

Production information

• Central Coast Production Information
  From Mark Gaskell, UC Cooperative Extension Santa Barbara County
• Acidifying blueberry soil
  Presentation given by Ben Faber at Week of Blueberries, 2008
• Thrips Management in Blueberries
  Presentation given by David Haviland at Week of Blueberries, 2008
• Blueberry research results, Kearney Agricultural Center
  Co-authored by Manuel Jimenez and Richard Molinar, 2003
• San Joaquin Valley blueberries evaluated for quality attributes
  California Agriculture, 2008
• Blueberry research launches exciting new California specialty crop
  California Agriculture, 2005
• Extended Season Fresh Market Blueberry Production: Updated
  By Mark Gaskell, 2000

Cost studies

More sample cost studies available fromUC Davis

• Blueberries in San Joaquin Valley South, 2009
• Blueberries in South & Central Coast, 2007
• Organic Blueberries in South & Central Coast, 2007

Marketing information

• Fresh Produce Marketing Trends: Implications for Blueberries(7 MB)
  Presentation given by Roberta Cook, UC Davis Extension specialist, at Blueberry Field Day 2008
• Changing blueberry market needs careful attention
  Newsletter article by Shermain Hardesty, 2007
• Determining What to Grow: Looking at Markets(1.8 MB)
  Presentation includes wholesale market data about blueberries. Presented by Mark Gaskell, 2007

Additional information

• Recommendations for Maintaining Postharvest Quality: Bushberries
  Includes blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cranberries. From the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Research and Information Center.
• Blueberry linksfrom the UC Fruit & Nut Research Information Center

Archived information

• USDA Article about blueberries(1994)