Blueberry growers in West Michigan are preparing for higher labor costs in 2027 as the minimum wage is set to increase to US$15 per hour.
Denny Vander Kooi, a third-generation grower farming 105 hectares of blueberries with his sons, told Brownfield that labor is the farm's largest expense. He expects the wage increase to add another US$0.08 to US$0.10 per pound to harvesting costs.
Vander Kooi has been replacing older blueberry varieties with newer cultivars to improve farm competitiveness. However, replanting involves removing existing bushes, purchasing new plants, and waiting three to five years before harvesting resumes.
Michigan State University Extension estimated blueberry establishment costs at approximately US$24,000 per acre in 2024.
As a U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council board member, Vander Kooi supports provisions in the House farm bill that would expand the USDA's Tree Assistance Program to include blueberry bushes that are no longer economically viable.
He discussed these challenges following a farmer roundtable with USDA officials in Holland, Michigan.
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com
