The technological leap that can improve the profitability of blueberries
José Flores installed macro-tunnels in 10 hectares of his field of Curicó, in 2013, with the idea of advancing the harvest of blueberries of early varieties and thus access to a more attractive commercial window because the markets are with less supply.
For this, he invested around US $ 45 thousand per hectare between materials and supplies, and US $ 10 thousand more in the installation. Flores managed to advance the harvest by around 12 days, which often allows him to sell his production in early October.
«However, that is very variable. Thus, one year you can get US$ 1 more per kilo and in others, like last year, similar prices», he adds. He points out that he was able to recover his investment in almost 5 seasons.
Among the advantages of using tunnels, the producer emphasizes that the plant has a better development, since it is protected from environmental damage, UV rays and wind dehydration.
«In addition, in winter, the tunnels are also favorable, since the plant is warmer»He says.
Jose Flores adds that the advance of the harvest has greater availability of labor, since it does not compete against other crops.
However, for everything to work well, it is necessary to contemplate some risks, such as wind, which can damage the structures, causing the tunnels to fall and the plastic to break.
Similarly, he comments that the cost of maintaining a crew of workers that opens and closes the tunnels should be considered during the spring, because they accumulate temperature very fast. In fact, if this aspect is not well managed there is a risk that the fruit will burn.
Another aspect that, in his opinion, should not be overlooked by the producers is that the plants that are under tunnels consume the same or less water than those that are outside, because they are subject to less stress, for what they open less their stomata.
Commercial security
Companies specialized in this technology, such as Haygrove, comment that the investment for the installation of macro-tunnels ranges between US $ 45 thousand and US $ 55 thousand per hectare. This will depend on the size, the type of material of the structure (if it is made of wood or another type of more sophisticated material) and the level of technology that it contemplates (whether it is rustic or if it is state-of-the-art).
For this reason, it is estimated that, on average, producers could recover the investment in the third year. Beyond the increase in returns, a key advantage is that it allows the producer to stabilize his business, as he becomes more reliable to his customers.
«Today you cannot fail. Doing so means that producers put their commercial potential in the world at risk.", indicates Pablo Vial, representative in Chile of Haygrove.
So much comes the need to ensure production, that even these days there are exporters who are willing to finance this type of project.
«When facing seasons like the last ones, where the climatic factor becomes fundamental, having tools of this type, even if they are expensive, is very positive for the producer, because it is a long-term investment», says Julia Pinto, technical manager of the Blueberry Committee.
UV filter for plants
«My experience has been good».
That is how clear the producer José Miguel Izquierdo is when asked how his commitment to macro-tunnels has turned out in his Nancagua field, in the O'Higgins Region.
Although when it began, four seasons ago, I had some doubts - in the beginning it only implemented this tool in 1 hectare -, these dissipated after some seasons. Moreover, at present, the good results obtained have led this producer to increase the hectares covered by tunnels to 10.
«The decision to install the tunnels happened because we had early varieties and we wanted to anticipate them a little. The truth is that, depending on the varieties and seasonal conditions, the harvest can be brought forward by up to a month. In fact, those that advance the most are the early varieties, which have a low cold requirement. "We, for example, harvest in September."He says.
José Miguel Izquierdo recognizes that this is not a cheap investment, although it is worth it.
«The plant grows better inside the tunnel, because the plastics have a UV filter, which enhances vegetative growth. For the same reason, the quality of the fruit is also better. Furthermore, it can be harvested when it is raining.", indicates.
The best thing, he says, is the price that the fruit can reach, although everything will depend on the week in which it is harvested.
«Despite starting early, these varieties produce for 10 or 12 weeks and the largest amount of fruit available is concentrated between mid and late October, when US$8 to US$9 per kilo is obtained. This result varies greatly, since not all areas are early or have clear days., indicates.
Thanks to this, he says that the investment of the tunnels, in his case, has been able to pay between the third and fourth year.
Greater awareness in Chile
Although in Chile the presence of tunnels in blueberry projects is quite limited, more and more producers are evaluating the possibility of using this type of tools in their farms.
«There are no figures, but the appearance of these tools is noticeable when touring the fields. Today producers are aware that they must supply the markets with very good quality fruit."says Andrés Armstrong, executive director of the Blueberry Committee.
In fact, these days, one of the most important promoters of the use of tunnels is the Committee of Blueberries. For this, they are even developing some tests and pilots that allow validating this technology, especially in regard to dealing with better weapons the effects that climate change is posing in the country.
«Rainy springs, for example, have become a tremendous threat for blueberry orchards, because if they do not receive good phytosanitary controls, favorable conditions for fungi, such as Botrytis, can be generated. There is also the danger that these phenomena could split the fruit, which will inevitably cause harm to producers., warns Julia Pinto.
Source: Revista del Campo
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