Abstract
Georgia's blueberry industry has experienced exponential growth during the past four decades, and the state now ranks third in acreage and between fourth and fifth in total production of cultivated blueberries in the United States. This impressive growth was sustained by the development and commercialization of well-adapted rabbiteye blueberry cultivars (1950s and 1960s), the founding of the Georgia Blueberry Association and establishment of the first large-scale commercial plantings and packinghouse facilities by pioneering producers (1970s), access to national and international marketing channels (1980s and 1990s), and the development of a new southern highbush blueberry industry (mid-1990s). More recent trends include increased production for the fresh-market, establishment of high-density plantings of southern highbush cultivars in pine bark, and improved management of pests and horticultural production problems such as spring freezes, droughts, and low fruit set. Given the anticipated increase in consumer demand for blueberry products in conjunction with Georgia's early harvest window, there is excellent potential for sustained production expansion.
