Producers in Mesopotamia say they have great expectations as they seek to overcome last season's complications. "If we adjust the numbers well, we will be able to sustain ourselves as the main supplier of international markets," they say.
The blueberry harvest in Argentine Mesopotamia began at the end of August, with high expectations arising from the good productive conditions of the fields and an accompanying winter with adequate temperatures.
As was anticipated from the Association of Producers of Blueberries of Mesopotamia Argentina (APAMA), a harvest of about 8,000 tons is expected in the market of fresh produce, 90% of which, depending on prices, will be destined for export markets.
"The fields are very good so we have the potential. Last year winter delayed production in the spring, but today the varieties are more advanced," said Alejandro Pannunzio, president of APAMA.
"Producers have high expectations, labor contracts are equal to or greater than the year before at this time, and we aim for more jobs compared to last season," he added.
If climate and market conditions maintain, the Mesopotamian harvest would extend through the months of September, October and November.
Optimism
"There is optimism in the sector because some of the costs, like some agricultural inputs, have dropped and we have taken away the retentions. Also VAT and export duties are returned to us sooner, which gives us a more comfortable room to invest and be up to date with costs," Pannunzio said.
In addition to the government actions that favored the production of blueberries, the director also pointed out that in terms of state support, progress has been made in a very good joint task with SENASA.
"If we can sustain this articulated work with the State, we will be able to advance and overcome the adversities left by the previous harvest," he concluded.