The strawberry is a globally popular fruit and a significant part of the United States agricultural economy. The U.S. ranks among the world’s largest producers, with domestic output contributing billions of dollars annually. Consumers have access to fresh strawberries nearly year-round, but this consistent availability is due to the concentrated output of a few major commercial hubs, not uniform production across all fifty states.
California: The Primary Source
California is the undisputed leader in commercial strawberry production, consistently supplying approximately 88% to 91% of the total United States volume. This dominance is owed to the state’s mild, Mediterranean climate along its coastal regions, which allows for an extended, nearly year-round growing season. Production is heavily concentrated in several key coastal zones, including the Watsonville/Salinas area, Santa Maria, and the Oxnard plain. Growers utilize advanced techniques like drip irrigation and precision farming to maximize yield and conserve water. The result is an average of 50,000 pounds of strawberries harvested per acre each season, far surpassing the yields of other states.
Other Leading Commercial States
While California dominates, the national supply is balanced by a few other states that fill specific seasonal roles. Florida is the second-largest commercial producer, accounting for approximately 8% to 13% of the total U.S. volume. Florida is the primary domestic source for the winter strawberry crop. The Plant City area is the center of this production, with the main harvest season running from November through March or April. This timing is possible because the region offers the specific winter conditions strawberries need to flower and fruit, including temperatures between 50°F and 80°F and less than 14 hours of daylight. Following Florida, states in the Pacific Northwest, particularly Oregon and Washington, contribute a smaller portion of the commercial supply. Their production is concentrated during the summer months and focuses on varieties destined for processing, such as frozen berries, rather than the fresh market.
Seasonal and Localized Production
Strawberries can technically be grown in all 50 states, but most of this production is not intended for the national commercial supply chain. Beyond the major commercial hubs, numerous states support smaller, highly localized operations with a distinct seasonal focus. These growers concentrate on regional consumption, farmer’s markets, or “U-Pick” experiences. North Carolina, New York, and Michigan are examples of states with significant localized strawberry industries. North Carolina growers, for instance, primarily use a plasticulture system that results in high-density yields, but their sales are highly decentralized. This model bypasses the need for long-distance transport, allowing farms to focus on providing fresh, in-season berries directly to their local communities.