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A group of blueberry producers in Coffee County approached the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development to consider the economic feasibility of constructing and operating a value-added blueberry processing facility with the unique characteristic of providing “cooling” trailers in the field to start the cooling process at an earlier point in time to better preserve the quality of their berries. By cooling alone, a producer can gain an increase of 10 to 30 fold in potential shelf-life by lowering the respiration rate and reduction in pathogen growth. The CAED analysis examines the relevant economic issues surrounding the operation of a value-added processing facility. The majority of this report consists of the marketing, finance, and impact analysis sections. Together these sections explain the feasibility of operating the proposed blueberry packing facility and utilization of refrigerated trailers in the process. Based on assumptions set forth in this analysis, a blueberry packing facility in south Georgia appears to be economically feasible. Projected net returns are $534,335 or $0.09 per pound above all costs for the services provided. The estimated return on investment based on these assumptions is 26 percent. The venture will provide the opportunity for area growers to enhance quality and reduce loss through the rapid post harvest cooling with the refrigerated trailers provided by the facility. The facility will have the capability of handling both fresh market and processed market blueberries which should be an enticement for area producers.
