British Berry Growers has announced the start of the blueberry season. Although the wettest July in more than a decade was a major concern for the growers, pollination plans have helped to create a robust crop this year, thanks in no small part to some industrious bumblebees.
The wet July was a huge concern for UK berry growers, as blueberries are particularly sensitive to overly wet conditions. However, agronomists are delighted with how the crop has grown and stood up to the unseasonably wet weather.
The British berry industry is now worth £1.7 billion in retail sales year-round. It is estimated to contribute £3.18 billion to the UK economy in the next five years and to continue to grow.
Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, the industry body that represents 95 per cent of berries supplied to UK supermarkets, said, "British berry growers have demonstrated remarkable innovation in using pollination plans to create a robust blueberry crop this season that has withstood the unseasonable July weather.”
Source: luxuriousmagazine.com
