Berries ZA is working with Transnet to try and ensure that blueberry exports will go smoothly this season.Last year's export season was knocked by a Transnet strike at ports during a peak period.
SA usually exports berries to the value of about R3 billion each year, and the labour-intensive harvesting process provides jobs for about 30 000 people. On top of that, farmers had to deal with steep increases in agriculture input costs like diesel and fertiliser. The extent of the impact of SA's energy crisis on the blueberry industry is still being determined, says Walsh.
"So, it is about the timing of getting our blueberries to market. Our farmers are moving towards new varieties to shift high-quality blueberries earlier into the season or later, depending on which markets they want to approach and to optimise the price. Improving yield is also very important," says Walsh.Walsh says Berries ZA is working with Transnet to try to ensure that blueberry exports will go smoothly this season.
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