The Moroccan berry industry is young, but it has a great reputation in the international markets thanks to the quality of its fruit and its ability to reach the end consumer. "These qualities of Moroccan fruit give it an edge in the market and allow it to achieve better results than the average of the competition," says Blueberries Consulting.
Consolidated industry
In Morocco, blueberry cultivation covers a large area in the central and northern parts of the country and is growing at a rate of 300 to 500 hectares a year. "The volumes marketed are also increasing thanks to the better varieties grown with new genetics, but strawberries and other berries are not lagging behind either in terms of volume or development. This is the reason why the 33rd International Berry Seminar, to be held on September 11th in Tangiers, will feature these as guest crops, and important researchers and specialists will be presenting techniques for the proper management of these species and talking about their commercial prospects."
Presentations
"The program of the meeting will address various aspects of interest for the Moroccan berry industry, starting with the presentation: 'Update of the blueberry market and that of other berries in Morocco: production, marketing and genetics", by Amine Bennani, president of the Moroccan Association of Berry Producers (Ampfr)."
"One of the highlights of the meeting in Tangier will be the presence of Bruno Mezzetti, an important professor and berry researcher, who will participate with the presentation: 'Improvement strategies in new cultivars for the production of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in warm growing areas'."
The prestigious Peruvian agricultural entrepreneur Juan Pablo Bentín, production manager of Family Fars Peru, will address other agronomic and commercial aspects of blueberry cultivation. He will talk about the successful Peruvian experience with his presentation 'Blueberry production in Peru: market, management and genetics'. The Peruvian entrepreneur is a leader in blueberry production under desert conditions, so his participation will be of great interest to Moroccan producers.
Photo supplied by Blueberries Consulting.
Substrates and pots
"New soilless management systems for protected agriculture are developing very quickly in Moroccan agriculture. The vast majority of new projects are designed on the basis of the use of pots, substrates and protective netting. In this context, the Spanish researcher from the University of Almeria, Maria del Carmen Salas, will give a talk on 'Characterization of substrates and recommendations for their use in berries'. The researcher has extensive experience in hydroponics systems, not only in the area of Almeria or southern Spain, but in various berry producing countries."
"The international consultant and advisor of important blueberry projects in the world, Jorge Esquivel M. will participate with a talk on 'Modern blueberry production: key aspects for productive success', focused on new technologies applied to the crop, the professionalization of human resources and the updating of farm management."
Use of micro-organisms and nutrition to prevent stress
"The important Polish researcher Anna Konieczny will give a talk on 'Biostimulation strategies and the use of beneficial micro-organisms for berries', thus responding to the interest of modern agriculture and consumers themselves to progress in sustainable management."
"Another highlight will be the participation of Turkish researcher Ismail Cakmak, who will talk about 'Nutritional management strategies to mitigate drought, heat and radiation stress in berries', a very relevant topic for Moroccan producers, who have had to face the significant impact of climate change, which has led to extreme heat waves and to the crops being affected by high radiation. Photo right: Ismail Cakmak, Professor at Sabanci University in Istanbul.
Irrigation, market and genetics
"The whole world is affected by water scarcity and this is a threatening factor for agriculture, so the use of technology is vital for the success of productive projects. Miguel Ángel Cuevas, who will talk about 'Irrigation strategies to optimize resources, photosynthesis and the development of biomass in berries', will focus on this.
"Many topics of interest will be addressed by the various international speakers at the 33rd International Berry Seminar in Tangier in September. The ones mentioned above are only some of them. The reality of the European market and the wide range of new genetics will be analyzed in depth by the speakers, highlighting the qualities of the new berry varieties and the behavior of some of them in the different productive areas of Morocco and the world."
Do you want to be part of the annual meeting of Mediterranean Berry Growers?
Places available!
For more information:
Blueberries Consulting
[email protected]
Phone: +56 9 3469 3871 (WhatsApp)
www.blueberriesconsulting.com