California Strawberry Plantings Eye Record Level
Planned acreage for 2026 would top the state's 2013 record, pointing to a larger supply of fresh berries.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Organic Food
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California growers plan to plant 41,570 acres of strawberries in 2026, up from 40,714 acres planted a year earlier, according to plans reported by the California Farm Bureau. The planned figure would surpass the state's previous record of 40,816 acres set in 2013.
Why it matters
Strawberries are among the most widely eaten fresh fruits, and California supplies most of the nation's crop, so planting levels shape how much fruit reaches grocery shelves. Rising demand is the driver cited for expanding acreage this year.
The figures come from an annual California Strawberry Commission survey of planted acreage, supplemented by planting plans reported by the California Farm Bureau. The planned 41,570 acres would exceed both last year's 40,714 acres and the 2013 record of 40,816 acres, though these are plans rather than completed plantings.
The players
California Strawberry Commission
The commission runs the annual survey that tracks strawberry planted acreage in California.
California Farm Bureau
The farm organization that reported this year's planting plans for California growers.
The details
Strawberry plantings are set months before fruit is picked, so growers' decisions this season determine supply for future harvests. More than 31,000 acres are already in the ground, meaning the remaining planting depends on decisions still being made. Annual retail strawberry volume exceeds 1.2 billion pounds, and retail volume is greater than that of all other berries combined.
Timeline
2013: California set its previous planting record of 40,816 acres.
2025: California planted 40,714 acres of strawberries.
2026: California growers plan to plant 41,570 acres.
Health Landscape
Strawberries are a staple of the fresh fruit supply, and the expansion of California acreage reflects a long-running pattern of growing demand for berries. Planting levels set the supply base for the coming seasons and show how the fruit's market has grown since the 2013 record.
Rising strawberry plantings point to a larger fruit supply in the coming seasons, which can make fresh berries easier to add to everyday meals. Anyone tracking fruit intake can find strawberries a widely available option, and questions about growing practices are worth raising with a grocer or your physician.
The takeaway
Strawberries are a widely available fruit, and this year's planting plans signal a larger supply ahead. Adding fresh fruit like strawberries to your routine is a practical way to support a balanced diet, and your physician can advise on fruit intake that fits your needs.
Further reading
For more on how fruit is grown and labeled, explore our Organic Food coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Farm Progress.
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