Blueberry Regulations

Florida blueberries are the first blueberries to ripen in North America. Currently, the market period from March through May is available almost exclusively to Florida growers.

Strict regulations cover the movement of blueberries from Florida to Canada and California due to the presence of the blueberry maggot (Rhagoletis mendax). The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps facilitate the movement of blueberries to Canada and California by providing guidance and inspection services to the blueberry industry. Below are some links to helpful information regarding these regulations.

Florida Plant Inspector Contact Information

• Plant Inspector Directory

Canadian Blueberry Program

• Application for Approval to Participate in Blueberry Certification Program[ ]
• Blueberry Certification Program Auditing Inspection Checklist[ ]
• Blueberry Certification Program Bi-Weekly Trapping Summary[ ]
• Canadian Blueberry Certification Training [ 3.5 MB ]
• Canadian Blueberry Memo to Growers [ 141.3 kB ]
• Canadian Directive D-02-04 for Blueberry Certification
• Request for Authorization to Print Certificates (Tags) of Inspection[ ]
• USDA Blueberry Compliance Agreement [ 446.9 kB ]

California Regulations

• Special Permit to Ship Fresh Blueberries from Florida to California [ 180.8 kB ]