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OUR STORY

Our humble roots go back to 1995, when two blueberry farms in north central Florida combined to become Island Grove, LLC. We began with a clear focus: to produce high quality blueberries and blueberry plants. Through our working relationship with the University of Florida Breeding Program we were able to utilize on-site research to increase production and knowledge of experimental and newly released blueberry varieties. This relationship continues to this day, with additional trial sites at our southern Florida location.

 

In addition to our work with UF's breeding program, we also have working relationships with other premier breeding programs including UGA, NC State and the USDA. This allows us to provide the best selections for a wide range of climate zones. 

 

Our Island Grove location near Hawthorne, Florida has approximately 200 acres of certified organic berry production. As new low-chill blueberry varieties became available, Island Grove, LLC expanded south to the Arcadia, Florida area, adding 200 acres of blueberry fields and increasing our total production to approximately 400 acres

 

Due to the increasing demand for blueberry plants in Florida and throughout the southern United States, our nursery continued to grow and in 2004 a major expansion was completed. This allowed us to increase our production to the current level of several million plants annually, enabling us to meet the demand both throughout the United States and globally. 

 

We supply high quality plants and provide service to our fellow farmers from the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between. Each day we strive to treat each customer as we would want to be treated, as a friend and fellow farmer working to produce high quality blueberries for a berry hungry world. We are dedicated to growing the best plants available and providing exceptional customer service.

 

Thank you for your business and we look forward to working with you

OUR CORE VALUES

With deep roots in the blueberry industry dating back to 1995, we're not just a part of it; we live and breathe it. Our identity is rooted in farming, and this profound understanding of every facet of agriculture sets us apart. We take immense pride in knowing precisely what our fellow farmers desire in terms of customer service and product delivery. Our customers can lean on our extensive experience and unwavering commitment to the farming journey. Our primary goal is to guarantee the success of every farmer who chooses our plants, ensuring they reap an abundant and extraordinary harvest.

WE ARE FARMERS

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WE HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS

With over two decades in the industry, our expectations are not just high; they're legendary. We've set the bar, and we're committed to reaching it every single day. The Island Grove Standard isn't just a benchmark; it soars above industry norms. Our customers not only can but should anticipate nothing less than excellence from us. We take pride in assuring them that we stand behind this premier standard, guaranteeing a product that's truly exceptional.

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"We're not just growing plants; we're nurturing dreams and ambitions."

MEET OUR TEAM

At Island Grove Nursery, we are driven by a remarkable team that forms the core of our success. We hold our team members in the highest regard, recognizing that they play a pivotal role in your journey with us. From the moment you place your order until its fulfillment, our team works tirelessly to provide you with an exceptional experience. We take immense pride in our unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding customer service and tailored support to every farmer we serve. Your success is our priority, and our team is here to ensure your experience with us exceeds your expectations at every turn.

Our team is driven by the shared passion for excellence. We pour our hearts into nurturing the best plants available, ensuring that each blueberry plant that leaves our nursery is a testament to our dedication. We're not just growing plants; we're nurturing dreams and ambitions 

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Maribel Lebron

Nursery Manager/Grower

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Jerod Gross

Chief Operating Officer

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Bert Sheffield

Sales Manager

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Mark Doran

Assistant Nursery Grower

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Grizel Hernandez

Chief Financial Officer

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Maribel Lebron

Nursery Manager/Grower

Maribel Lebron is our Nursery Grower. With over 30 years of experience in the plant nursery industry, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise to our team. Maribel continues to support the blueberry industry through her attention to detail and dedication to producing the newest blueberry varieties. She oversees our nursery production each day, leading a skilled team of experienced propagators to produce healthy, high-quality plants.

Maribel Lebro
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Mark Doran

Assistant Nursery Grower

Mark Doran is our Assistant Nursery Grower and a graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. in Horticulture with a concentration in Nursery & Greenhouse Science. Since joining Island Grove, he has become an integral part of our nursery operation, combining his education with hands-on experience growing blueberry plants. His background in greenhouse production, nutrient management, crop scouting, and IPM helps ensure our plants are healthy from propagation through production, while supporting the continued success of our nursery.

Mark Doran
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Bert Sheffield

Sales Manager

Bert Sheffield is our Nursery Sales Manager. With more than 30 years of experience in the plant industry, Bert has developed extensive expertise in blueberry production during his time at Island Grove. Known for his exceptional customer service and industry knowledge, he has become a trusted resource for growers across the country. Bert is committed to understanding each customer's needs and providing the guidance and support they need to build a successful blueberry operation.

Bert Sheffield
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Grizel Hernandez

Chief Financial Officer

Grizel Hernandez is our Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Since joining Island Grove in 2008, Grizel has played a key role in the company's success through her dedication and financial leadership. As a member of the Island Grove Nursery Board, she helps guide the company's strategic direction by overseeing budgets, supporting sound financial decisions, and exploring new opportunities for growth and expansion. Her thoughtful approach to financial planning and commitment to continuous improvement help position Island Grove for long-term success while supporting the needs of our customers, employees, and the blueberry industry.

Grizel Hernandez
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Jerod Gross

Chief Operating Officer

Jerod Gross is our General Manager and a member of Island Grove's Executive Team. Since joining Island Grove in 2003, he has played a key role in the company's growth and success. Jerod oversees the operations of Island Grove, working closely with the executive team to guide strategic initiatives and ensure operational excellence across the organization. Beyond Island Grove, he serves as a DeSoto County Commissioner and is a dedicated advocate for Florida agriculture. Through his leadership and involvement across the state, Jerod works with growers, industry partners, and agricultural organizations to help strengthen and advance Florida's blueberry industry.

Jerod Gross
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