Overview and Economic Impact of the Mississippi Blueberry Industry

U.S. per capita consumption of blueberries has risen in the past decade, fueled in part by the industry’s efforts to promote the health benefits associated with blueberry consumption. As a response to increased consumer demand, blueberry acreage in Mississippi has significantly increased, from about 80 acres in 1981 to 2,700 acres in 2012. Production in the state consists mainly of Rabbiteye or Southern Highbush varieties, 50% of which is sold wholesale through marketing cooperatives (MDAC 2013). This study estimates the economic impact of this industry on Mississippi’s agricultural economy.