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 51.53. 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.