In France, the blueberries sector continues to develop. Growers believe that new management systems and new genetics are critical to the sustainability of their fields.
In 2022, the total area of blueberries production in France continued to grow at a moderate rate of 6 percent. Although still lower than other crops, this progression is atypical in France's declining agricultural landscape and is attracting new producers to this crop.
Since 2017, consumption has increased 6 times in volume and 5 times in value. According to studies, blueberries are mostly consumed between April and August. 64 percent of blueberries is purchased during this period, with a seasonal peak in May.
The year 2022 began with a severe spring frost event, fortunately with less severe damage than the previous year. An exceptionally warm summer resulted in an excellent quality harvest. However, global warming seems to be shortening the harvest season in all varieties and production areas. From mid-June to mid-July, the market in France was oversupplied and it soon became difficult to maintain satisfactory prices, prompting some growers to opt for the late season, with blueberries rabbit-eye, such as the Centrablue variety, originally from New Zealand.
In new orchards, cultivation techniques are advancing in many ways. Modern genetics, plantation densification, fertigation, along with the use of anti-hail, anti-bird and anti-drosophila tunnels or nets.
The first "hydroponic" orchards are now 3 years old and are expected to expand in the future. The cost of creating higher quality fields, as well as the general lack of knowledge about managing hydroponic fields, still limits progression at this stage, but there is interest and early results are about to confirm a viable business model.
Today growers believe that both the production system and genetics play an important role in the sustainability of their orchards. For this reason, the French Association of blueberry, with the support of CTIFL (Technical Center for Fruit and Vegetables), has set up a varietal trial field on 3 sites, with different climatic conditions. The aim is to identify the most productive varieties in each climatic and soil situation, as well as to quickly observe new varieties and their use in France.
The results will be shared within the growers' association at blueberries, to encourage new plantings with the varieties that have proven superior. In addition to these trial fields, experiments are being conducted, training sessions and technical seminars are being organized. These seem to be the answers to the constant questions from new growers.
All of this reveals the dynamism of an industry committed to improving its technical capabilities to meet market needs, both in terms of quantity and quality. A great scenario is unfolding in France, and it is hoped that the complicated general economic environment within the European Union will not slow down this new momentum of blueberry cultivation in the country.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
Blueberries Consulting is part of the global network of Italian Berry
