In W41 in the strawberry landscape, Peruvian strawberry exports for Sep-23 surged to 2.36 thousand tons, marking a remarkable increase of 34% compared to the 1.76 thousand tons exported in the same period in 2022. These Peruvian strawberries were distributed to eight different countries, with the United States (41%) and Canada (32%) as the primary destinations for this fruit.
Research conducted by agronomists in Barra do Choça, Brazil, has revealed that combining strawberry cultivation with the presence of stingless bees, such as Iraí and Jataí bees, can significantly improve the crop. The study found that these bees are crucial in enhancing pollination and can address potential pollination deficits in open cultivation areas. Brazilian strawberry cultivation, which spans 5.3 thousand hectares (ha) with an annual production of 200 thousand tons, could benefit from using these stingless bees.
Researchers in British Columbia, Canada, are working to extend the availability of strawberries and blackberries throughout the year by growing them in local greenhouses. The initiative aims to reduce Canada's dependence on imported fruit during the colder months. A team of researchers from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Simon Fraser University, and industry collaborators has received USD 1 million to develop a system that can produce these berries in local greenhouses, thus helping to extend the growing season for berries in Canada.
Spain is facing delayed harvests due to late summer weather, which has disrupted the planting of strawberries. Producers in Huelva highlighted that rain is needed urgently to address water shortages. Water-saving measures, like reducing water use by 50%, will lead to lower strawberry and raspberry production. Growers may need to cut back on plantings in Mar-24 if water remains scarce. The situation extends to Southern Europe, including Portugal, with potential delays due to water scarcity and extreme heat in Morocco. The lack of water is a significant challenge, affecting fruit production in the region.
Furthermore, in response to severe drought and water scarcity in southern Spain, the government plans to buy strawberry growers, especially in the Doñana National Park area, to address the environmental impact of competing for water resources, highlighting the consequences of climate change. While the regional government supported strawberry growers, the Spanish cabinet of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the European Parliament expressed the need to allocate water resources to nature. The Spanish Environment Minister is expected to provide a detailed plan within a month outlining which companies will be involved in the buyout.
Lastly, Moldova significantly increased its strawberry exports in 2023 compared to the previous year. The data from the Association of Berry Producers Pomușoarele Moldovei, based on customs service information, reveals that Moldova exported over 2.4 thousand tons of strawberries in 2023, compared to 1.4 thousand tons of strawberries in 2022.
