Asturian growers expect their blueberry and red fruit production to exceed 500 tonnes this year; a figure that could double in the next three years. In Spain, it is estimated that each inhabitant consumes about 30 grams per year, which is still far from countries like the UK or Germany. In spite of this, the producers are optimistic and expect the domestic market to grow. "We have no tradition of consuming red fruits, but we are advancing by leaps and bounds," assured Serida technician Juan Carlos García during the presentation of the 2nd Blueberry and Red Fruits Festival of Asturias.
The event, unique in Spain, will be held in Villaviciosa from 28 July and will bring more than twenty producers together. "This initiative responds to the work that has been done by many pioneers. It is about taking that work and giving it shape," explained Mayor Alejandro Vega. Villaviciosa is the Asturian council with the largest acreage devoted to the cultivation of blueberries and red fruits: 34 hectares of a total of 159.
In Rasa de Selorio there is also a pioneer farm run by the company Asturian Berries. This year, its seventeen hectares will produce around 90 tonnes. "It's a sector that creates wealth and work. We have about 50 workers in the farm alone," stated its president, Joaquín Vázquez. Taking into account the volume supplied by all its partners, the entity expects to gather some 300 tonnes, which will be exported to many countries across Europe.
The presentation of the event took place in the farm El Malaín, in San Justo. Its owner, Pablo Álvarez, assured that a great harvest is expected this year thanks to the fact that the spring has been rainy. "The weather is an important factor, but what matters most is choosing the right time for the pruning, the use of fertilisers and the irrigation," he pointed out.
The first day of the festival will be devoted to the cultivation and marketing techniques for blueberries. Throughout the day, the Riera Theatre will host different conferences of professionals from all over Spain. Admission will be free. On Saturday, at 11.30 am, the market will open at Ballina Park with the participation of some 20 producers. The festival will end the next day with the presentation of the book "Eating to beat cancer", by Paula Jiménez, at 6:00 p.m.
Source: elcomercio.es
