BerrySmart Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment — it’s about protecting the future of the blueberry industry. As consumer expectations evolve, regulatory frameworks tighten and global markets increasingly demand proof of responsible production, sustainability has become both a responsibility and a competitive advantage.

Blueberry growers have long been leaders in innovation and land stewardship, from water efficiency and soil health to pollinator management and climate-smart practices. By investing in sustainability today, we’re ensuring the industry’s ability to thrive tomorrow — maintaining access to key markets, strengthening resilience to climate and economic pressures, and building trust with buyers and consumers who want to know the fruit they enjoy is grown with care.

Through data-driven initiatives like the Life Cycle Assessment and the work of the BerrySmart Sustainability Task Force, the industry is taking ownership of its environmental story — quantifying progress, identifying opportunities for improvement and demonstrating leadership in sustainable agriculture. Looking ahead, sustainability will remain the foundation for continued growth, innovation and shared success across the entire blueberry supply chain.

The Blueberry Industry’s Life Cycle Assessment

USHBC is partnering with researchers at the University of California, Davis, to conduct a nationwide Life Cycle Assessment for the blueberry industry.

A Life Cycle Assessment, or LCA, helps evaluate the environmental footprint of blueberry production by looking at key inputs and practices across the growing process. For the blueberry industry, this project will help establish a credible sustainability baseline rooted in real grower data from across U.S. growing regions.

The goal is simple: to better understand, measure and communicate the sustainability story of blueberry production — using actual production practices and regional realities.

Grower Participation Is Now Open

Blueberry growers across all U.S. growing regions are invited to participate in the LCA grower survey.

Your participation will help ensure your region, your production realities and the work already happening on your farm are reflected in the final results. The more growers who participate, the stronger and more complete the industry’s sustainability story will be.

The survey will help the industry:

• Document the positive practices already happening on blueberry farms.
  • Build a credible sustainability baseline rooted in real production data.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen the industry over time.
  • Better position U.S. blueberries in customer, marketplace and industry conversations.
  • Support future sustainability audits, reporting needs and buyer conversations.

Please complete the survey by Friday, May 29, 2026.

Your Privacy Is Protected

All information collected through the survey will be reported only in aggregated form, such as by state or region. Individual farm data will remain confidential.

This project is not connected to regulatory agencies, and participation is completely voluntary.

We know the survey may take some time to complete and may require pulling together records. Best estimates are welcome, and support is available if you need help.

Questions or need assistance? Contact Elias Marvinney, Ph.D., at [email protected] or (617) 721-9636.