While the recent California rains have partly pushed back the start of the organic blueberry season in the state, that may just be a good thing. “We’re probably 10 days to two weeks away from getting started,” says Stephen Paul of Homegrown Organic Farms, noting color break is starting now on early varieties.
That late start will follow Georgia nicely, a state currently in its peak of supply and coming down just as California gets started. That’s particularly beneficial given it looks as though California has a good-sized crop, one that’s larger than last year’s. “We’ve had good chill and the bushes have had a healthy drink of water all winter long so you can see the difference in them. They’re healthy, meaning they’ll produce a stronger piece of fruit,” says Paul.
The late start likely means a continuous supply of blueberries into the middle of June.
It’s a bit of a relief following those recent sizeable rains in the state. “The concern was bloom time with all the unsettled weather. Where were we going to get pollination?” he says. “We did and the fruit is there. Only there may be some variance on the early varieties in that March time frame when there was cold weather and they may have had frost damage.” That said, if there is damage, it’s likely not widespread enough to significantly impact the overall crop. “There’s going to be enough fruit around with all the varieties that will compensate for that.”
Weather ahead
There’s also one eye out on the weather ahead watching for further patterns of unsettled weather. “As it stands, we have a very warm seven to eight days ahead and that will kick the berries in the San Joaquin Valley into go mode. We’ll see if we pick up any acceleration,” says Paul.
Meanwhile, demand is anticipated to be strong though good consistent quality berries being supplied is very much part of that. “If we as an industry can focus on providing consumers with a great eating experience--if we do that consistently and not have variance in fruit quality, then demand will grow.”
Given the size of the crop, this season will also likely be more favorable for ad opportunities. “Because of the cool temperatures and the late start, we’re condensing the days we’re selling more volume,” says Paul. “The only way you’re going to be able to manage that correctly is to properly place ads and be in front of the crop with retailers and have everybody on board to provide the consumer with a good price to move volume. It’s a team effort.”
For more information:
Elise Smith
Homegrown Organic Farms
Tel: +1 (559) 306-1777
[email protected]
https://www.hgofarms.com/