HORTICULTURE

Berrien County Fruit Plantings

Located in the extreme southwest corner of Michigan, Berrien County is the premier fruit growing county in Michigan. Berrien County has more fruit farms than any other county. The moderating influence of Lake Michigan delays fruit growth in the spring allowing growers to escape some early spring frosts. The warm lake also keeps the harvest season going longer in the fall, than in areas farther away from the lake. The mild climate allows Berrien County to grow more cold tender crops than other Michigan counties.

Berrien ranks number one in acreage of grapes, peaches, strawberries, nectarines, brambles and apricots. Because of Berrien County,s large grape acreages there is a restriction on using the ester form of 2,4-D in many parts of the county. Many Berrien County fruit farms are smaller than most and usually grow a mix of several types of fruit. Fruits and vegetables are often grown and packed on the farm. Roadside farm markets and fruit stands are very common.

The Benton Harbor Fruit Market is an important terminal market for Southwest Michigan fruit growers providing a wholesale market for growers and fruit brokers. Several fruit processing plants are located in Watervliet in northern Berrien County.

Michigan State University maintains the Southwest Michigan Research & Extension Center, east of Benton Harbor. This horticultural research station focuses on grapes, vegetables, peaches and other tree fruit.  

The Berrien County Extension office is located at the Southwest Michigan Research & Extension Center.

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Last modified: August 13, 2003