Agronometrics Shorts: Pacific Northwest Blueberry Season Set for a Big Year

The Pacific Northwest is on the cusp of one of its strongest blueberry seasons in years. Growers across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia are forecasting high yields, excellent quality, and strong demand, all signs pointing to a banner summer for this signature fruit. According to the Washington Blueberry Commission, the 2025 harvest is shaping up to be another record-breaker. Last year, Washington produced a staggering 210 million pounds, its largest haul ever, and early reports suggest 2025 could meet or exceed that. Winter injury was nearly nonexistent, and pollination conditions were nearly perfect. Oregon also reports excellent spring weather and snowpack, providing the water security growers need throughout harvest. “We’ve had six years of tough seasons,” said Bryan Ostlund of the Oregon Blueberry Commission. “Now everything’s finally clicking.” California Giant Berry Farms, a major player in the fresh berry market, is forecasting significant volumes of both conventional and organic blueberries out of the Pacific Northwest. Their harvests are rolling out in waves, from Oregon to British Columbia to Eastern Washington, to ensure a steady flow of berries through early September. “Our focus remains on providing a year-round supply of the highest quality blueberries,” said Tim Youmans, VP of Sales at California Giant. Their Santa Maria facility’s advanced Unitec sorting system guarantees that only premium berries, judged by color, size, and firmness make it into clamshells. With jumbo blueberries now driving category growth, California Giant is positioning its GIANT Blueberries as the go-to choice for shoppers seeking flavor, size, and consistency. Superfresh Growers, operating in Oregon’s Umpqua River Valley and Washington’s Skagit Valley, reports excellent fruit set and a near-perfect variety spread. One standout tactic? Falconry. Trained birds of prey patrol blueberry fields, naturally deterring pests while protecting the crop. USDA data shows blueberry demand is at an all-time high. Frozen inventories are down 28% from last year, and processed blueberry buyers are scrambling to secure supply. Global interest is also rising; buyers as far as India are seeking Pacific Northwest fruit. “The market is tight,” said Alan Schreiber, Executive Director of the Washington Blueberry Commission. “It’s a seller’s game right now.” Even with flat acreage, yields are climbing due to newer, high-performance varieties. Some newer plants are producing 400–800% more per acre than older ones, setting up the region for continued growth without expanding land use.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.

(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Written by Sarah Ilyas