Michigan State University Extension
Ag Experiment Station Special Reports - SR589201
07/28/98
East Lansing
Small Fruit Crops September 1992 Report Number 58
SMALL FRUIT CROPS Eric Hanson, Department of Horticulture
Introduction
Small fruit crops of the greatest economic
significance in Michigan include blueberries, grapes,
strawberries and brambles. This paper will deal with these
crops only, although other small fruit crops such as
cranberries may have significant potential.
Currently, there are about 32,000 acres of small fruit
crops in Michigan. Blueberries and grapes account for over
90% of this acreage. Production over the past five years
has averaged 164 million lbs, providing about 55 million
dollars in gross income to over 2,000 commercial growers.
Farm gate value does not reflect the total value of
small fruit production to Michigan, since most produce is
sold as processed or value- added products. About 70% of
blueberries, 95% of grapes and 30% of strawberries are
processed in Michigan. Income generated in processing,
packaging, wholesaling, retailing and transporting small
fruit products is at least equal to their raw product
value. As an example, the gross sales of one Michigan
winery were 5 to 6 times the purchase costs for the grapes.
The primary grape juice processor in Michigan estimates
that the value added to juice products is 5- 1 times the
raw price paid for grapes.
In addition, Michigan small fruits are closely linked
to the state's tourism industry. Wine tasting and berry
picking are popular activities for Michigan tourists. Pick-
your- own berries and roadside stands provide urban
families a closer look at farm life and production
agriculture. Berry crops are labor intensive and provide
important seasonal employment for rural residents. It
should also be noted that blueberry production in Michigan
occurs on soils with low pH and high water tables, which
are poorly suited for most other crops. Many small fruit
producers are members of cooperatives. The cooperative
philosophy tends to promote and strengthen local
communities.
The Michigan small fruit industry enjoys a number of
competitive advantages over many competing states.
Proximity to major population centers keeps transportation
costs lower than those in many competing states. Michigan
also benefits from the climate- moderating influence of
surrounding lakes and from abundant sites ideally suited to
these crops. Michigan also offers a processing and
marketing infrastructure which provides growers with
processed and fresh markets not available to producers in
other midwest states.
Factors affecting the production and marketing of
these crops are diverse. As a result, each commodity has
followed distinctly different production trends, and
projections to the year 2000 will likely vary for each.
Several general assumptions about the 1990s will likely
have an impact on each commodity to some degree.
1. General tariff and trade barriers will lessen. Barriers
such as phytosanitary and pesticide residue restrictions
may increase. This will open export markets for some
products, but increase imports and tighten domestic markets
for others.
2. Agricultural labor availability will continue to decline. Farm labor will become less economical due to laws and other factors.
Current Production Farm Value National
Crop Acreage million lbs million dollars rank
Blueberries 17,000 53.1 30.8 1
Grapes 11,000 101.0 13.5 4
Strawberries 2,400 9.3 6.4 5
Raspberries 475 1.0 0.8
Total 31,875 164.4 51.5 3. The number o
crops will decrease. Regulation of pesticide and fertilizer
use will increase.
4. Demand for high -quality fresh produce will continue to increase.
Blueberries
The Michigan blueberry industry has undergone an
enormous expansion over the last two decades. Michigan has
seen both acreage and production double since 1970. At
current production levels of 50- 60 million lbs, Michigan
accounts for about 20% of world production and is the
leading blueberry producing state.
Blueberry acreage has expanded from 9,600 acres in
1974 to an estimated 17,00 today. Accurate acreage figures
will be compiled in the MDA survey in 1992.
The success of the Michigan industry can be attributed
to the natural resources of the sate and the leadership of
several organizations. Michigan has abundant natural
"blueberry soils" and a climate moderated by Lake Michigan.
The industry has benefitted from a strong marketing
cooperative and a close working relationship with the
Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and the
Cooperative Extension Service. This partnership has
resulted in many innovative cultural and technological
developments. Mechanical harvesters and handling equipment
were developed by MSU, USDA-AES and industry leaders in
Michigan during the 1960s. Mechanical harvesting is now
more widespread in Michigan than in any other state,
although it is rapidly becoming more important elsewhere.
Blueberry production worldwide has increased
from roughly 100 million lbs in 1970 to 250 million today.
Acreage has increased in nearly every blueberry -producing
state and Canadian province. Although North America
accounts for nearly all blueberry production, industries
are developing in Chile to produce blueberries for "off-
season" export, and significant acreage has been planted in
some European countries.
Annual production in New Jersey, the second leading
state, increased from roughly 20 million lbs in 1970 to 35
-40 million lbs today. Yields in New Jersey average about
3,300 lbs per acre. About 70% of New Jersey blueberries are
sold fresh. Production increased even more dramatically in
the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, British
Columbia). This region annually accounted for
Blueberry acreage has expanded from 9,600 about 10 million
lbs in 1970 and now produces 30 million lbs. Yields in this
region average about 7,000 lbs per acre, and are
considerably higher than the 3,500 to 4,000 lb average
yields in Michigan plantings. Most berries from the Pacific
Northwest are processed.
Lowbush or wild blueberries, primarily from Maine and
eastern Canada, account for about 40% of North American
blueberry production. Lowbush production has expanded as
rapidly as cultivated blueberry production, mostly due to
the development of selective herbicides which have provided
up to 40% higher yields. Average lowbush yields fluctuate
annually and are difficult to estimate, but may range from
1,000 to 2,000 lbs per harvested acre. Nearly all lowbush
blueberries are utilized in the processed trade. Most are
individually quick frozen (IQF) for use in other foods and
are preferred over the larger highbush berries for some
bakery uses.
Blueberry industries have begun recently in the
southeast U.S., utilizing Rabbiteye and low chilling
Southern Highbush blueberries. With these blueberry types,
southeastern states can potentially offer fresh berries
from April to June. However, freezes and diseases are
chronic problems, and the growth potential of these
industries is uncertain.
The demand for both fresh and processed blueberries
has increased. The cultivated blueberry is better suited to
fresh marketing than the smaller lowbush fruit. Fresh
blueberry sales have likely benefitted from growing
preference of U.S. consumers for fresh fruit. Between 1981
and 1990, U.S. per capita consumption of fresh and
processed blueberries increased by 50%. Blueberry prices
have remained moderately profitable. During the last few
years, prices for frozen and fresh berries have been
relatively close. The versatility of blueberries is an
advantage over fruits such as the Montmorency sour cherry
which is utilized only in processing.
An average of 22% of U.S. blueberries (most frozen)
have been exported since 1980. Exports ranged from a low of
9% (1985) to a high of 40% (1990). Canada has purchased
most of the frozen berries, although significant volumes
have recently been sold in West Germany, The Netherlands
and japan. Nearly all fresh berry exports have also been
sold in Canada. Although many industry experts feel
overseas markets hold great promise, developing demand may
be relatively slow since most people outside North America
are not familiar with this fruit.
Blueberry imports to the U.S. have increased from
roughly 10 million lbs in the early 1980s to 30 million lbs
in 1990. Canada accounts for nearly all blueberry imports
to the U.S. Imports are equally divided between fresh and
frozen berries.
Several trends will have an impact on the Michigan
blueberry industry during the 1990s. The projected decline
in agricultural labor will be problematic to this labor
-intensive industry. However, labor shortages may be less
troublesome in Michigan, where the majority of berries are
harvested mechanically, than in other states where hand
harvesting dominates. Other operations such as sorting and
pruning are labor- intensive as well. Inexpensive labor may
become an even greater advantage for producers in South
America.
Harvesting and postharvest technology may change
significantly by the year 2000. Currently, nearly all
machine harvested berries are processed, because the
harvest operations usually cause too much damage to fruit
for the fresh market. Improvements in harvesting and
handling equipment are needed to reduce berry damage to
levels acceptable for the fresh market. In addition,
researchers must develop packaging or storage technology to
extend berry shelf life and the fresh marketing season.
Improved films and machine packaging will be necessary.
Breeding new varieties adapted to machine harvesting and
improving harvesting and handling technologies will be
needed for significant improvements in shelf life.
Successful blueberry marketing organizations may need
to extend their fresh marketing season by selling berries
from other regions during the 1990s. Buyers may demand more
specialized products, such as individually quick -frozen
(IQF) berries or products sorted by berry size. Blueberries
will be increasingly sold as value -added products (dried,
sweetened, concentrated puree or juice). Buyers will have
more choices of suppliers.
Loosening of trade regulations will likely benefit the
Michigan blueberry industry. Europe and Japan are viewed by
some as promising future markets for Michigan berries.
Michigan exporters may face trade barriers in the form of
phytosanitary requirements or pesticide residue
restrictions. Chilean producers will benefit from
relatively inexpensive labor, and will likely be the
greatest exporters of blueberries to North America by the
year 2000. The Chilean fresh market season will not
coincide with the Michigan harvest, but there will likely
be competition for value -added products. Whether
blueberries are exported or marketed domestically,
consumers will demand ever increasing quality.
Blueberry culture in Michigan is relatively pesticide
intensive. Residential encroachment in some areas may
result in increased conflicts over pesticide use and also
remove prime acreage from agricultural use. Aerial
application of pesticides, which is practiced widely today,
will be phased out. Growers will likely have fewer
pesticides and more restrictions on their use by the year
2000. The most damaging consequence of this may be an
increase in fungal diseases of fruit and a reduction in
fruit quality and postharvest life.
The blueberry industry may face challenges concerning
the impact of production on water quality. Many blueberry
plantings are irrigated and most are located where the
water table is relatively close to the soil surface (18- 24
inches).
Blueberry production worldwide will likely continue to
increase during the 1990s. There is some disagreement among
industry experts about how this will influence blueberry
prices and profitability by the year 2000. However, it is
likely that blueberry markets will become more competitive
during the 1990s due to increased production in other
states and certain foreign countries. This will place
greater pressure on growers to increase production
efficiency and maximize quality. Some acreage on marginal
sites may be removed and some smaller producers may leave
the industry. Blueberry varieties adapted to mineral soils
with higher Ph may be released during the 1990s. Although
these varieties may be grown in nontraditional blueberry
areas, they may not possess sufficient quality or
productivity to compete commercially.
By the year 2000, we anticipate there will be up to
20,000 acres of blueberries in Michigan. Michigan will
remain the leading blueberry state, with annual production
fluctuating between 60 and 80 million lbs. World production
may reach 350 million lbs. Michigan, British Columbia, New
Jersey and Chile may account for the greatest proportion of
this increase.
Michigan is in the position to dominate the blueberry
industry for many years. Acreage may be more easily
expanded in Michigan than in some production areas where
growth may be inhibited by high land values (Pacific
Northwest) or wetland development restrictions (New
Jersey). However, many potential blueberry sites in
Michigan are currently being lost to development. Michigan
will continue to benefit from unified and aggressive
marketing efforts, abundant processors, innovative
equipment manufacturers, and a blueberry tradition and
identity.
However, several developments may be needed for this
to occur. First, production efficiency must increase in
Michigan. This may be accomplished by increasing unit
production or efficiency of input use. The primary
competition for Michigan in the fresh berry market will
likely be the Pacific Northwest, where average yields
greatly exceed those in Michigan. Improved cultural
practices such as disease control, integrated pest
management, water management and site selection will be
necessary to improve production efficiency.
Older plantings need to be removed gradually and
replaced with superior modern varieties. Two older
varieties, Jersey and Rubel, still comprise over half of
the Michigan acreage. Some of this acreage may need to be
converted to more productive, higher quality varieties such
as Bluecrop or Elliot. A series of promising new USDA
varieties may include improved types for Michigan. Breeding
efforts to develop new varieties specifically adapted to
Michigan conditions and disease pressures may provide the
greatest potential for long -term yield increases. An
expanded marketing season would also provide the Michigan
industry an advantage over competitors. Improved storage
and packaging technology would enable Michigan producers to
market fresh berries well into the fall.
The Michigan industry also needs to refine the
mechanical harvest technologies for fresh market fruit.
Harvest, sorting and packing technologies must be developed
and adopted so that damage to fruit is minimized and shelf
life is comparable to hand- harvested berries.
Planting/pruning practices may need to be changed. This
would allow the industry to adjust frozen and fresh volumes
in response to current market conditions.
Grapes
The 11,500 acre Michigan grape industry ranks fourth
nationally with an annual production of about 50,000 tons
(1986-91). The Michigan crop has multiple uses which have
not changed greatly in relative importance during the last
10 years. Between 91 and 94% of Michigan grapes are
processed into juice, 3-6% are utilized in wine, and the
remaining few are sold as fresh table grapes. Most grapes
are harvested mechanically.
The Michigan juice grape industry is based on the
variety Concord. A single processor utilizes
92% of the state's production. Michigan Concord grapes
typically have higher quality indices (color, sugar/acid
ratios) than those produced in competing areas. The average
yield for Concord in Michigan (last 10 years) is 4.1 tons
per acre. This is lower than yields in some competing
states, most notably Washington. Although overall juice
grape acreage in Michigan has declined recently, moderate
yield increases have resulted in roughly stable production
levels. A major marketing effort is underway to expand the
acreage of Niagara grapes for processing into white juice.
This program will make Michigan the largest producer in
this market.
Over the last 20 years, the Michigan wine industry has
produced less Labrusca- based inexpensive wines and greater
volumes of higher value table wines composed of French
hybrid and vinifera varieties. During this time, the volume
of wine produced declined (3.8 million liters in 1980, 1.1
million in 1990), but the value increased from an average
of $2.40 to $8.50 per liter. Most Michigan wines are
marketed in the state.
The wine market has become extremely competitive
worldwide. The number of wineries entering the market has
grown continually. The quality and volume of wine imports
have increased. California continues to be the primary
domestic competition, although production from
nontraditional states such as Oregon and Washington
continues to grow. The perception of Michigan as an
inexpensive "jug wine" state was essentially removed during
the 1980s.
The national trend in wine consumption is down, due in
part to concerns about drinking and driving, fetal health,
and diet. However, Michigan wine sales recently posted a 4
-5% increase (1989- 1990) in this declining market, and
some state wineries report that grape supplies are
inadequate. Research and promotion sponsored by the
Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council played a part in
this gain. Michigan wine producers also benefit from their
chose proximity to major population centers and close ties
to the Michigan tourism industry.
The grape industry has traditionally been located in
southwestern Michigan, and this region still comprises the
vast majority of acreage. However, Michigan wine grape
production has expanded geographically in the last 15
years. Wine grapes are now successfully grown along the
Lake Michigan shore from the Indiana border to Northport on
the tip of the Leelanau peninsula. Although acreage suited
for grape production is not limiting the industry, there is
concern about residential encroachment and the loss of
prime vineyard sites.
Table grape production in Michigan has been limited.
Small quantities of Concord grapes are marketed fresh each
year, but the market for this seeded, thick -skinned
variety is limited. However, several recently developed
seedless varieties show considerable promise as table grape
varieties for Michigan. The breeding efforts of Norman Good
at MSU may also yield useful tablegrape types.
During the 1990s, labor availability will
decrease and challenge growers to mechanize cultural
practices such as pruning. Grape growers will likely have
fewer registered pesticides, causing increased problems in
disease control. Disease resistance will be a more
important criterion in choosing varieties. Pesticide
application technology will need to be precise.
Markets for grape juice will tend to diversify, along
with rising consumption of fruit juice blends in an
increasingly health -conscious population. Grape juice will
be an important source of sweetness in juice blends.
Although some markets for grape juice may expand (Europe,
Japan), production will likely increase in other areas
(Eastern Europe, South America). The Michigan juice
industry is essentially tied to one variety and a single
processor. The fact that juice grape prices are influenced
by those of other juices, such as citrus and apple, makes
this market difficult to predict.
Wine markets will continue to be extremely competitive
in the 1990s, with increased production from Eastern Europe
and the Southern Hemisphere. It is uncertain whether the
trend toward declining wine consumption will continue until
the year 2000. Recent press coverage of the health benefits
of moderate wine consumption is encouraging. Expansion of
wine grape acreage in Michigan will need to be coordinated
with wineries and markets, since only a few investors with
outside capital could potentially oversupply wine grape
demand.
Michigan wine producers will need to target
mid -range and premium wines if this industry is to grow
during the 1990s; it is doubtful that Michigan producers
can profitably market low -priced wines, given the low
average yields in Michigan vineyards. This will require
increases in acreage of vinifera and selected high -quality
hybrid varieties. Growers will be challenged to optimize
yields and quality while using fewer pesticides. This will
present a dilemma since many vinifera varieties are also
very disease -susceptible. The cost of producing most
vinifera varieties is also high, so wines from these
varieties need to bring high prices in order to justify
their production.
A 10- 15% increase in Michigan grape acreage is
anticipated by the year 2000. Over 1,000 additional
acres of juice grapes are expected, with the white variety
Niagara accounting for most of the expansion. Acreage of
Concord is not likely to change. Average juice grape yields
are expected to increase to 5 tons per acre from the
current average of 4.2 tons. Wine grape acreage will likely
grow by 20 -50 acres per year through the 1990s, resulting
in possibly 200 -500 additional acres by the year 2000.
Wine grape yields may be down slightly as most new acreage
will be planted to lower yielding, high- quality varieties.
Wine grape production statewide will increase slightly.
Some seedless table grapes will be produced on a commercial
scale in Michigan by the year 2000.
Progress in several areas may be crucial to the
future viability of the grape industry in Michigan. Vine
size (vigor) and yield efficiency need to be increased in
juice grape vineyards for this segment of the industry to
remain strong and viable. Efforts are needed to fine -tune
the cultural requirements of the Niagara variety. There
will be a strong need for efficient cultural practices
which reduce fertilizer and pesticide inputs.
Basic viticultural research on new wine grape
varieties is needed in order for the wine industry to
continue moving toward high- quality products. Wine grape
genotypes from around the world need to be evaluated in
Michigan, particularly those which offer disease
resistance. Successful wine grape varieties will need to
offer consistent fruit quality and production. Producers
will need to be able to identify vineyard sites most
suitable for high- quality varieties.
Strawberries
Michigan strawberry production and acreage have
declined from 2,800 acres and 17 million lbs in 1980 to
2,400 acres and 14 million lbs in 1990. However, Michigan
is still the fifth leading strawberry -producing state. The
majority of fresh berries are sold through U -Pick
operations, followed by sales through roadside markets and
local stores. Most strawberry acreage is distributed
throughout the southern half of lower Michigan, with
concentrations in the southwest counties. Production for U
-Pick is common near all population centers.
Between 20 and 34% of Michigan berries are processed.
Leelanau County alone produces 1 million lbs of berries for
processing by utilizing a solid bed culture and mechanical
harvesters developed by MSU agricultural engineers. These
berries are sliced and packed with sugar or sold as puree.
The light -textured, sandy soils ideal for
strawberries are abundant in Michigan. Michigan growers
managed 10,000 acres as recently as 1960. Michigan
producers had the advantage of close proximity to major
population centers and a relatively large number of
processors in the state. Processors found strawberries
convenient because few other produce items overlapped the
strawberry season.
Substantial fresh strawberry industries were
located in the Alpena area and the Keweenaw Peninsula about
20 years ago. Growers in these northern regions benefited
from the late harvest season and high late -season prices.
Large volumes of fresh California strawberries are now
marketed at this time. Only a few farmers produce
strawberries in these areas today.
Nationally, per capita consumption of strawberries has
increased by 50 % since 1980. However, nearly all
additional demand has been mate by increased production in
California. California strawberry production increased from
about 200 million lbs in the early 1960s to over 1 billion
lbs in 1991, and now accounts for 80-85% of U.S.
production. Strawberry acreage in California has increase
each year since 1980.
The success of the California industry is a
excellent example of the potential returns from
effective research and extension efforts, an ideal
climate, and effective marketing. The development
of locally adapted varieties and cultural systems
resulted in a 400 million dollar industry in about 30
years. Average yields have been increased from 14-
20 thousand lbs per acre (early 1960s) to 45- 50
thousand lbs today.
Average yields in Michigan are between 5,000
and 7,000 lbs per acre, and have changed little
over the same period. However, some growers can
achieve yields as high as 20,000 to 25,000 lbs
Michigan growers rely entirely on breeding
programs outside Michigan for new varieties.
Varieties from Maryland (USDA), New York and
Nova Scotia have been particularly successful
recently. In addition, only limited research on
cultural practices has been conducted in Michigan
recently. These two factors have contributed to the
limited progress on improving overall yields in
Michigan fields. Since the Michigan industry is
relatively small with no state organization, collective
efforts to market or sponsor research to address production
problems have not been possible.
Fresh California strawberries are marketed from
February to October, with heavy production during the
Michigan season in June. California berries are sold in
Michigan at roughly the same retail price as locally grown
berries. Some large supermarket chains find it inconvenient
to drop California-raised berries with their long marketing
season to carry local berries for the short three- or four-
week harvest season. Although local berries have
traditionally been perceived to have flavor superior to
California berries, they typically have a shorter shelf
life and less consistent quality., Newer california
varieties appear to offer substantially improved flavor,
which will likely improve California's competitive
advantage even further.
although the California strawberry industry is oriented
almost entirely to fresh marketing, adverse weather
periodically forces growers to process berries. The
percentage of the California crop which is processed has
ranged from 22-36% since 1980. Because of erratic supplies
from California, Oregon, Washington and Mexico, processed
strawberry prices have been marginally profitable for
Michigan growers, and have fluctuated greatly from year to
year. Frozen strawberry imports have also weakened this
market. Imports have ranged from 40 -91 million lbs since
1980, accounting for 12- 28% of inputs into this market.
Since Mexico is the leading exporter of strawberries to the
U.S., future trade regulations and agreements may
significantly decrease our frozen market.
Although many Michigan farmers have
experience growing strawberries, few current
growers produce only strawberries. Many have
other crops or off- farm jobs, so some production
practices may not receive adequate attention.
Growers close to residential areas are concerned
about complaints from neighbors related to
pesticide use. There is currently a serious lack of
herbicides registered for Michigan strawberries, and
insufficient pesticide registrations will likely be a
concern for some time.
The decline in availability and increase in cost of
labor expected during the 1990s will continue to be
a serious problem for the strawberry industry in
Michigan. Although mechanical harvesting systems
have been used in Michigan, the berries harvested by this
procedure are not suited for fresh marketing.
Michigan strawberry acreage and production will likely
be similar or slightly lower than current levels by the
year 2000. Production for U -Pick markets will remain
viable near most population centers, although the demand
may cycle with local economic conditions. Production of
berries for prepicked sales through local retailers and
farm markets will likely decline slightly, due to labor
availability and competing California berries.
Production of strawberries for processing will
also likely decline due to strong competition from other
regions. Average yields in major processed strawberry
states such as California (40,000 to 50,000 lbs/acre)
Oregon (8,000 to 14,000 lbs/acre) and Washington (6,000 to
10,000 lbs/acre) far exceed the 5,000 to 6.000 lb average
yields in Michigan.
Some research and extension efforts may be needed to
maintain the current production of fresh berries for the U
-Pick and pre- picked markets. Work is needed to maintain
or increase pesticide registrations since the loss of one
or two key materials could dramatically reduce this segment
of the Michigan industry. Growers need to produce fresh
berries economically which offer consumers improved quality
over the California competition. Since the quality of
California improving, a continuing effort is needed to
identify high- quality varieties adapted to Michigan.
A suitable day- neutral variety would extend the
Michigan harvest season from June to October, and
could substantially increase fresh strawberry production in
the state. Day- neutral varieties currently available do
not appear to have sufficient quality or yield potential to
be economically grown.
If a suitable processing variety could be developed or
identified, this segment of the industry could expand. A
northern Michigan manufacturer of gourmet fruit jams
considers Michigan- gown Earliglow berries as premium
fruit. California varieties are not suited for some
specialty products such as small whole berries for pie
filling. Niche markets such as this may be exploited by
Michigan growers if appropriate varieties and cultural
systems could be developed. The long -term viability of a
processed strawberry industry may be contingent on the
mechanization of harvest, since labor is expected to become
less available and more costly.
Michigan still offers two basic advantages over
all eastern and midwest states. The moderate winters and
cool summers are optimal for strawberries. Second, the
processing infrastructure of Michigan offers dual markets
not available to growers in other states. Ready access to
processing facilities provides growers a salvage market for
the last of the season's berries and an outlet when adverse
weather results in inadequate quality for the fresh market.
Brambles
There are an estimated 500 -700 acres of brambles
(raspberries, blackberries) in Michigan. Nearly all are
raspberries, although a few farmers produce limited
quantities of blackberries. The autumn- bearing raspberry
Heritage accounts for the majority of the acreage. Most of
the production is marketed by U -Pick. Growers typically
produce only a few acres of brambles as supplemental
income. Most brambles are produced in southern Michigan.
Michigan has a long history of raspberry culture and
once was the leading producer of black raspberries, with up
to 14,000 acres. There is an abundance of sites suitable
for bramble production in Michigan. The state has numerous
processors and farm markets for potential outlets. Several
new raspberry varieties may offer improvements over
older types. Several extremely productive, high quality
thornless blackberries were also developed varieties is
clearly recently. These appear suited to some areas of
Michigan and should be evaluated, although the
market potential for blackberries is uncertain.
Oregon and Washington produce nearly all the
raspberries and blackberries in the U.S. Yields achieved
in the Pacific Northwest are superior to those in Michigan,
due primarily to the moderated marine climate. Red
raspberry yields in Oregon and Washington average 4,000
-7,000 lbs per acre. Although average yield data in
Michigan are not available, most growers are pleased with
yields of 3,000 -4,000 lbs. As a result, it is unlikely
that Michigan growers can successfully compete with
Northwest producers in processed raspberry or blackberry
markets. Prices for processed bramble fruit are determined
to a great extent by production levels in the Pacific
Northwest and are little influenced by factors in Michigan.
Bramble fruit are very delicate and have an extremely
short shelf life, even when handled optimally. Current
technologies for handling and packaging are inadequate to
market fresh berries for significant distances. As a
result, fresh marketing is a difficult task when berries
must be shipped significant distances.
Bramble growers in Michigan are not organized in a
statewide group, so unified efforts at marketing or
researching solutions to production/handling problems have
not occurred. The number of pesticides labeled for Michigan
bramble crops is seriously limited due to the small size of
the industry and lack of a unified industry voice.
Few major changes in bramble production in Michigan
are likely by the year 2000. Fresh raspberries and
blackberries will continue to be produced for local markets
and U- Pick customers. Improvements in handling and
packaging technologies are needed to support even limited
expansion of production in the state.
Summary
Each segment of the small fruit industry is confronted
with different issues and challenges. However, several
issues and needs appear to be common to each. The primary,
underlying issue confronting this industry is the
maintenance of profitability. Each commodity will face
intense and growing competition from producers outside of
Michigan, whether they are currently in an expansion mode
(blueberries, grapes), or a static to declining trend
(strawberries, raspberries). Continual improvements in
production efficiency and product quality will be needed to
remain competitive in this market environment. To achieve
this, greater efforts in cross -discipline, integrated crop
management will be needed.
A number of more specific issues will influence
profitability. First the declining availability and
increasing cost of labor will pressure these labor
intensive industries to mechanize various operations.
Second, loss of pesticide registrations, concerns over the
impact of pesticide and fertilizer use on the environment,
and increasing residential encroachment on production areas
will pressure producers to develop environmentally sound
crop management strategies. A concern in addressing this
issue is the lack of research and extension efforts in the
area of small fruit entomology. Michigan small fruit
products will need to offer continually improving quality
to compete successfully. This will require the adoption of
improved varieties and cultural and postharvest handling
techniques that optimize product quality.
The processing infrastructure of Michigan provides
small fruit producers with diverse markets not available to
growers in some competing regions. Since many Michigan
processors handle small fruit, tree fruit and vegetables,
these commodities are interdependent to some degree.
Michigan needs to provide a favorable business environment
to encourage processors to move to or stay in Michigan.
The fruit small industry is an important, diverse
segment of Michigan agriculture that will continue to
confront serious production and market challenges. A
research commitment by MSU will likely be needed for this
industry to continue its current expansion.