Spain: Asturias will produce more than 500 tons of blueberries and red fruits

13/07/2017

Asturian farmers hope to exceed the production of 500 tons of blueberries and red fruits this year. A figure that could double in the next three years. In Spain, it is estimated that each inhabitant consumes about 30 grams per year. Data very far from countries like England or Germany. Despite this, producers are optimistic and hope that the national market will grow. «We have no tradition of consuming red fruits, but we are making great strides«said Serida coach Juan Carlos García during the presentation of the II Blueberry and Red Fruit Festival of Asturias.

The event, unique in Spain, will bring together more than twenty producers in Villaviciosa starting on July 28. «This initiative responds to the work that many pioneers have done. It's about picking up that job and giving it shape«explained the Malian mayor, Alejandro Vega. Villaviciosa is the Asturian council with the largest surface area dedicated to the plantation of blueberries and red fruits, 34 hectares out of a total of 159.

In Rasa de Selorio there is also a pioneering farm owned by the Asturian Berries company. The seventeen hectares of land will produce around 90 tons throughout this year. «It is a sector that creates wealth and work. We, only on the farm, have a few 50 workers«said its president, Joaquín Vázquez. The entity hopes to gather together all its collaborators about 300 tons that will be exported to countries throughout Europe.

The presentation event took place at the El Malaín farm, in San Justo. Its owner, Pablo Álvarez, assured that a great harvest is expected this year thanks to the rainy spring. «Time affects, but the important thing is to choose the time of pruning, fertilizers and irrigation", he pointed.

Source: El Comercio