U.S. strawberries are in high demand globally with exports hitting record levels in 2024.
Last year, export totals reached 351 million pounds, a 20% jump from the previous year.
Canada was the top destination with shipments to Mexico also experiencing marked growth.
USDA says that the trend looks to continue this year.
“In the first two and a half months of the year, strawberry shippments were up in Florida. Florida produces strawberries during the winter and spring and typically accounts for 10% of domestic production,” according to USDA Research Economist Catherine Weber.
The other 90% of strawberries comes from California, where growers expect an increase in acreage this year.
Despite strong exports, our imports of strawberries are high, reaching a billion dollars last year.
Dr. Gary Schnitkey from the University of Illinois discusses farmers’ sentiment toward industry consolidation, especially in the fertilizer sector, where costs remain historically high.
USDA says total grain inspected for export reached 2.81 million metric tons for the week ending June 11.
Experts note that economic growth, fuel demand, and energy diversification are opening new opportunities for U.S. grain and ethanol exports in Southeast Asia.
The USDA’s new cotton initiative comes as policymakers continue to focus on stabilizing farm income across major row crops while balancing export exposure with domestic supply chain resilience.
Artisan Milling Company has spent nearly two decades producing stone-ground grits.
Many growers are monitoring water allocations as dry conditions continue.
