For the Chilean season of 2019/20, some 115,000 tons of fresh blueberries will probably be exported. According to an article from iqonsulting.com, the changes come from the new orchards planted, with more than 4.000 hectares in the last 4 years. With new varieties and-or those that have presented good post-harvest results. One part of these new plantations corresponds to the old-variety renewal and another part corresponds to additional planted areas.
On august 23rd, the updated results of the national planted area census were released, which this time covered the regions from Maule (seventh) to the extreme south. The figures showed a total planted area of 18.374 hectares, 2.500 hectares more than the previous census of three years ago. This new area, which also includes the orchards renewal, presents new varieties and new technology which will help to improve the quality of the Chilean supply.
Another factor which will affect the Chilean blueberry production is the drought in the North Zone, which extends in a lower degree down to the sixth region. However, the blueberry production in the most affected production areas has already been cut, while the current production enjoys enough water reservoirs and efficient irrigation handling, pointing towards fruit quality.