California Strawberry Plantings Set to Climb

Growers plan to plant 41,570 acres of strawberries this year, which would exceed the state's 2013 record.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Organic Food

Screen-print poster illustration of rows of green strawberry plants with red berries across a field, with distant hills under a pale sky, evoking California's expanding strawberry acreage. — California growers plan to plant 41,570 acres of strawberries in 2026, up from 40,714 acres a year earlier, putting the state on track to surpass its 2013 record. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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California growers plan to plant 41,570 acres of strawberries in 2026, up from 40,714 acres a year earlier. More than 31,000 acres are already planted, according to the California Strawberry Commission's annual survey.

Why it matters

The planned expansion would surpass the record 40,816 acres planted in California in 2013, reflecting rising demand for the fruit. Strawberries already account for more retail berry volume than all other berries combined.

The California Strawberry Commission's annual survey shows planned plantings of 41,570 acres, compared with 40,714 acres a year earlier and a 2013 record of 40,816 acres. Whether all planned acreage will be planted remains unconfirmed.

The players

California Strawberry Commission

The commission conducts an annual survey of California strawberry planted acreage that produced this year's planting figures.

California Farm Bureau

The farm advocacy organization reported the planting plans for California strawberry growers.

The details

California growers have already planted more than 31,000 acres of strawberries, with the full planting plan reported by the California Farm Bureau. Annual retail strawberry volume exceeds 1.2 billion pounds, which is greater than all other berries combined.

2013: California planted a record 40,816 acres of strawberries.
2025: California planted 40,714 acres of strawberries.
2026: Growers plan to plant 41,570 acres.

Season Trajectory

The 2026 plan would exceed the 2013 California strawberry planting record of 40,816 acres, as reported in the commission's annual survey. Growers have already planted more than 31,000 acres, indicating the expansion is well underway.

Expanded strawberry plantings could mean more supply in California markets and at retail. Annual retail volume already exceeds 1.2 billion pounds, so shoppers may see continued availability of the fruit.