October 31 2006, 14:33

Even small producers can have a steady profit on the production of cultivar blueberry in Ukraine

The organizers of the conference "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2006. Open market invite all agricultural producers of Ukraine and other countries to listen to a very interest expert's presentation. The expert has 30 years of experience in the production of cultivar varieties of blueberry, blackberry, gooseberry, raspberry, currant and other berries.

The journal "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal has received today the preliminary confirmation that Richard Dale, the President of the American Company "Highland Valley Farm", the international consultant on commercial berry production, is going to speak about technologies and economics of the production of cultivar varieties of blueberry, blackberry, gooseberry, raspberry, currant and other berries. Mr. R. Dale's report is included to the program of the international forum on the second day of the conference.

"More than 30 years of the practical farming experience let us consider R. Dale to be one of the most competent specialists in cultivar berry production', Andriy Yarmak says, the Deputy Director of the Agricultural Marketing Project. Richard Dale specializes in the mechanized production of cultivar blueberry for fresh market and processing. He has been successfully working in this business for more than 25 years. And, "Highland Valley Farm" also grows currant and raspberry, and produces honey. By its own means the company implements post harvest handling practices, sorts and packs berries for fresh market. It also produces IQF berries and sell the ready commodity under own trademark. The orchards of "Highland Valley Farm" are located in one of the coldest US State (Wisconsin); this experience will be very interesting for the producers from all regions of Ukraine.

To the opinion of the analysts of the Agricultural Marketing Project, the production of cultivar berries in Ukraine is a new unique variety to increase the profitability of the agribusiness. The world demand for such berries as blueberry and blackberry has significantly exceeded the supply; the prices for these commodities are still high. For example, frozen blueberry can be sold for export for a wholesale price of more than $2.35/kg; the prices for quality berries are even higher on fresh market. In our country only wild berry is supplied on market; it is not able to satisfy even a half of the demand.

That's why the presentation of American expert on this topic, undoubtedly, will be of interest both for small farmers and large and medium farms interested in the development of the berry business. In addition to 40 minutes of the presentation during the forum, Richard Dale will gladly share his experience with all conference participants during the work of the conference. We remind that, in order not to miss the opportunity to get information about the possibilities of cultivar blueberry production in Ukraine, as well as other berries, you should register for participation in the conference online.