The Business of Bloom

Before the first berry ripens or the first watermelon hits the vine, there is a cost humming in the background. It is the sound of pollination, and this week we are getting a clearer picture of what that really means for farmers across the Southeast.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released its new Cost of Pollination report, breaking down the numbers for Region 2, which includes Georgia and Alabama, and Region 3, home to Florida growers.

In Region 2, blueberries carried the highest total pollination value in 2025. The price per acre dropped 16 percent to 121 dollars, while the total value of pollination for all crops reached 6.12 million dollars, down 1 percent from last year.

In Region 3, watermelons led the way. Growers paid 83.80 dollars per acre, down 2 percent. The region’s total pollination value climbed 1 percent to 4.02 million dollars.

If reports like this matter to you, USDA’s 102nd Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum will be held February 19 and 20, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, with virtual options available: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/agricultural-outlook-forum