New varieties

New Zealand blueberry growers have had access to new varieties with “big tasty fruit” that are ideal for export abroad.

Of the 11 new blueberry varieties that Plant and Food Research has made available, 3 are from the organization's own breeding program and 8 are licensed by Fall Creek Farm and Nursery in the US.

“These new varieties offer a significant opportunity…”

Also, 3 varieties are Southern Highbush, 7 are Northern Highbush and one is Rabbiteye. The varieties produce large, good-tasting fruits, with a range of seasonality throughout the collection. All have shown good adaptability to New Zealand conditions in trials to date.

"These new varieties offer a significant opportunity for New Zealand growers to improve their blueberry production and bring new and flavorful blueberries to consumers at home and abroad," said Gavin Ross, group general manager of marketing and innovation. Plant and Food Research Department.

“The new varieties produce tasty berries with great consumer appeal and grow well in New Zealand conditions. We hope that the incorporation of these new varieties into the set of plants available to growers will help expand the blueberry sector and increase export opportunities over the next decade, "he added.

Big opportunities

Producers have been invited to apply for a non-exclusive license to grow the varieties for fruit production in New Zealand and for the marketing and sale of fruit worldwide. Producers who sign a license agreement will be able to order from authorized nurseries.

New Zealand currently produces 3.000 tonnes of blueberries on 640ha of land, with exports valued at NZ $ 39 million.

Plant and Food Research said it will get royalty payments from the license agreement, which will be used for further research benefiting New Zealand's agri-food industries.