Small fruits include strawberries, brambles, tree fruit, blueberries, beach plums, and others.  These fruits have historically required high labor and chemical inputs to produce superior fruit. However, the demand for low input varieties and escalating labor costs, has resulted in new technologies that are changing both growing and harvest methods.

The potential for small fruit production is good in Maryland with its mild climate and access to large metropolitan markets.  Consumer preference for locally grown fruit and vegetables has demand out pacing supply. 

Small-scale fruit and vegetable growers generally have more difficulty finding established markets; therefore, they usually develop marketing systems tailored to their own unique situations- pick-your-own, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, etc.. It is strongly recommend that you identify and research your market before you become a fruit  grower.

For more information on growing small fruit, contact Dr. Joseph Fiola, University of Maryland Extension, Specialist in Viticulture and Small Fruit.

University of Maryland Extension Resources

• Maryland Alternative Enterprise Hotlist - Grapes

• 2009 Strawberry Twilight Tour Booklet (Event held on May 21, 2009).

Other State Extension Resources

• Fruit Growing Information
  http://vvv.caes.state.ct.us/FruitGrowing/FruitGrowingInfo.htm

• Managing Small Fruit Crops for the Retail Market
  http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/Berries/marketingpdf/managesmfrumarket.pdf

• Agricultural Alternatives: Fruit and Vegetable Marketing for Small-scale and Part-time Growers
  http://agalternatives.aers.psu.edu/Publications/MarketingFruitAndVeggie.pdf

Industry Resources

• The Fruit Growers News
  http://www.fruitgrowersnews.com/pages/index.php

• The Fruit Growers News Buyer's Guide
  http://www.fruitgrowersnews.com/pages/buyersguide.php?ndx=23

Agencies, Associations and Government Resources