The blueberry industry in Mesopotamia, Argentina, is facing a delayed harvest due to adverse weather conditions, according to Alejandro Pannunzio, President of the Association of Blueberry Producers of Mesopotamia Argentina (APAMA). Despite the slow start, there is a sense of moderate optimism within the sector. "Expectations are good, the campaign is a little late, this is because the cold is delaying the harvest considerably, more than expected," Pannunzio shared.
While the harvest has commenced, it is progressing slowly and is expected to pick up pace in the upcoming weeks. The sector has maintained a stable cultivation area, which is seen as a positive sign. "Compared to last year, the surface area remained more or less stable," Pannunzio remarked. However, in Concordia, the area dedicated to blueberry cultivation has significantly decreased, impacting employment and investment in the region.
Despite these challenges, the global demand for blueberries continues to outpace supply, fostering a positive outlook for the sector. Pannunzio emphasized the need for supportive public policies that transcend political affiliations to bolster the sector's growth. The current economic policies, including the double exchange rate and additional costs like the Country Tax, alongside the absence of new genetic varieties, are hindering productivity and profitability.
Nevertheless, Pannunzio remains cautiously optimistic about the sector's future, underlining the inherent optimism in blueberry cultivation. The anticipated intensification of the harvest in October and November is expected to create approximately 6,000 temporary jobs in the region, highlighting the sector's importance to the local economy.
Source: Blueberries Consulting