Pannunzio explained that adverse weather conditions have delayed the start of the harvest more than expected. “Expectations are good, the campaign is a little late, this is because the cold is delaying the harvest considerably, more than expected,” he commented. Although the harvest has already begun, it has done so gradually, and it is expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks.

The sector has managed to maintain stability in the cultivated surface area, which generates moderate optimism. “Compared to last year, the surface area remained more or less stable.

It had been declining in recent years, but this year the surface area did not decrease," said Pannunzio.

In Concordia, the area devoted to blueberry cultivation has been drastically reduced in recent years, from 2.000 to approximately 600 hectares. This decrease has had a significant impact on employment and investments in the region. However, Pannunzio stressed that global demand for blueberries continues to grow steadily, which keeps the sector looking positive. “Blueberries have the enormous advantage that global demand always grows faster than supply,” he explained.

The challenge of public policies

Pannunzio stressed the importance of having public policies that support the productive sector, regardless of the political affiliation of those who govern. “The country has not had that, I would say it is the opposite. Now, theoretically, a change is being proposed, but that change has to be formalized,” he commented, highlighting the importance of long-term policies that allow for the consolidation of a lasting framework for the sector.

The double exchange rate, withholdings and other additional costs, such as the Country Tax, have affected the profitability of the sector. In addition, the lack of new genetic varieties is limiting productivity. “We are missing some internal issues, such as having new varieties, but having new varieties goes hand in hand with the crop being profitable,” Pannunzio said.

An optimistic vision for the future

Despite the challenges, Pannunzio expressed cautious optimism about the future of the sector, noting that the very nature of blueberry cultivation requires a long-term vision. “Anyone who plants a plantation is naturally an optimistic person,” he concluded.

The harvest is expected to intensify in October and November, generating significant demand for labor, estimated at around 6.000 temporary jobs in the region.