The Ministry of Agriculture in La Araucanía explores new international markets, before the price crisis experienced by the production of blueberries in the United States and China.

The producers in the area, where production exceeds 2 hectares, are worried about the 49% drop in prices of transaction of the fruit, especially in the mentioned world powers

If in 2019 the kilo of blueberries was traded at eight dollars a kilo, currently the figure does not exceed four dollars, which has generated fear in local producers, due to the competition of other blueberry producing countries such as Peru or Mexico.

Alex Ceballos, president of the Happy Berries Organics Cooperative, which produce more than 150 tons of fruits in the communes of Gorbea and Loncoche, He said that international competition has influenced the fall in prices.

The seremi of Agriculture, Ricardo Senn, confirmed the complex situation, but indicated that the Government is exploring new markets for the export of berries.

In addition, the Agriculture seremi reported that of the total blueberry production in the region, more than 90% was already exported and the remaining 10% will be destined to the domestic market.

In any case, the high price of the dollar in recent weeks, has allowed to partially cushion the export of berries.