The blueberry season ended earlier than in previous years. "We finished a week or two early this year. We did also, however, start two to three weeks earlier," says Belgian blueberry grower, Frans Schrijnwerkers. At the beginning of the season, the blueberries were plagued by low prices. "Southern Europe threw a spanner in the works. The climatic conditions caused harvests to be close together. Everyone suddenly came to market at the same time. Since then, prices have not been inflated, but we cannot complain."
The dry weather had a limited impact on the Schrijnwerkers company. "The berries are a little smaller, and we had some dry leaves. Production is, therefore, somewhat lower. However, we came off lightly. Some other farmers have 40% less supply. That is rough", says Frans. Some of the blueberry plants at this family farm did die this year. This is not something this grower is used to. "This year was very atypical. We hope never to have to experience it again. However, every year we are faced with a new challenge."
There were very high harvest expectations at the start of the season. "We thought we would have a large production. The flowering season started well. However, the trend did not continue", says the farmer. It was not only blueberry growers that had to deal with low prices. "I heard from other soft fruit farmers that they also had trouble with this. Retail and wholesale price forming is reasonably steady while farmers are left in the lurch. There was an issue with this among cherry growers this year again. Fortunately, we currently find ourselves at a good level regarding prices. We hope it remains so."
For more information:
Fam. Schrijnwerkers
121 Weg naar As
3670 Meeuwen-Gruitrode
Tel. +32 (0) 89 85 89 33
Fax +32 (0) 89 81 23 53