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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. With the release of new "low chill" varieties, Island Grove, LLC expanded south planting plantations in the Arcadia, Florida area with another 200 acres of berry production, bringing our total berry production to about 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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Jerod Gross

Chief Operating Officer

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Grizel Hernandez

Chief Financial Officer

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Bert Sheffield

Sales Manager

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Maribel Lebron

Nursery Manager/Grower

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Jerod Gross

Chief Operating Officer

Jerod Gross is extremely dedicated to Island Grove. He began working for Island Grove in 2003. Throughout his time at Island Grove, his career has grown. He is the county commissioner in DeSoto county and represents the agriculture industry daily.

Jerod Gross
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Grizel Hernandez

Chief Financial Officer

Grizel Hernandez is our chief "money" woman. Her career at Island Grove started in 2008 and like Jerod she is dedicated to Island Grove. 

Grizel Hernandez
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Bert Sheffield

Sales Manager

Bert Sheffield has 30+ years of experience in plant industries. At Island Grove, Sheffield grew his knowledge of blueberry plants and has become our top salesperson along with being our customers' favorite person. Sheffield prioritizes our customers' needs daily and will strive to ensure our customers will succeed in their farming adventures. 

Bert Sheffield
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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 a lot of knowledge to our team. Lebron continues to support the blueberry industry with her attention to detail on the newest varieties. Lebron leads our nursery production daily with a team of experienced propagates trained by Lebron. 

Maribel Lebro
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