North Carolina is a leading producer of strawberries. North Carolina ranks third in the U.S. in strawberry production, based on value of the crop harvested.
- Acreage in production: approximately 1600 (2012, USDA figures)
- Total annual production: approximately 20.3 million pounds (2012, USDA figures)
- Value of annual strawberry crop: $29.4 million farm income (2012, USDA figures)
One thing that distinguishes North Carolina is that almost all of the fruit produced in the state is sold for fresh market right here in the state — direct to consumers as Pick-Your-Own, at farm stands, or to local supermarket chains. The top two states, California and Florida primarily grow for shipping. Oregon, which leads North Carolina in total production but not in value of the crop, grows primarily for processing.
North Carolina also has several nursery producers of strawberry plants. Most of these are shipped to Florida and set out by growers theres. Some of these NC-produced plants are used here in North Carolina. North Carolina consumers can pick fresh, ripe, strawberries.
Harvest season: Harvest generally starts in the southeastern Coastal Plain in early April, in the Piedmont in mid- to late-April, and in the western part of the state in early May. Depending on weather, most farms pick for 5-8 weeks. Cool spring weather prolongs the season, while hot weather, especially in May, shuts it down. May is considered the main season and is “Strawberry Month” in North Carolina.
North Carolina growers are working hard to have berries available as many weeks of the year as possible. Using frost protection, with irrigation or row covers, helps have early berries. Some growers are also producing fruit “off season” with high tunnels or greenhouses. These growers can have ripe berries in fall, winter, or very early in the spring. A few growers are also planting types of berries called “day neutrals” that can bear fruit throughout the summer.
Check with your local farm to learn its expected harvest season.
