Spain: Strawberry revenues grew by 20.7% mandarin by 12.6%

Strong berry and citrus economic performance consolidates the strength of Huelva`s horticulture sector, according to Cajamar. Oranges are set back because of low consumption.

The last fruit and vegetable campaign, 2010/2011, in the province of Huelva had very good economic results, according to the analysis of the Cajamar Foundation. Yesterday, this foundation made public that production grew by 7.9%. The financial report has the support of the Agribusiness Technology Center, Adesva. Among the conclusions found in the study strawberries stood out, followed by raspberries, which took off well last season. The mandarin stood out as the star product of the province. These three fruits have become "the strength" of the sector in markets. Strawberries, raspberries and mandarins have two main features for consumers, quality and health guarantees. Both features were more than justified after the E.coli crisis, which caused a sharp downturn in sales, but was finally overcome with flying colors.

The strawberry crop keeps first place in the horticulture landscape, with an increase in price, which has led to an increase in revenues up to 20.7%. These two positive figures come from the hand of several factors that have led to a good production both in quantity and quality (with an increased tonnage of 8.5%), despite that the number of hectares under cultivation were significantly reduced. The growth results are justified by the good weather both at the start of the season and during the period of greatest production, which favored a staggered harvest that lasted well into spring.

Read full article: FreshPlaza.com

India - Haryana government motivate farmers to grow horticulture crops

AHMEDABAD: Area under horticulture crops in Haryana has reached about 6.40% of the total cropped area of the state as a result of the drive of the state government to motivate the farmers to grow horticulture crops in place of traditional ones.

A spokesman of the horticulture department said that the efforts of the state government to encourage the farmers for diversification of crops had shown encouraging results. During the year 2010-11, the area under vegetable cultivation was 3,46,400 hectares. Apart from this, farmers were also taking keen interest in replacing their traditional crops by other commercial horticulture crops like flowers and spices.

He said that during the current financial year up to October 2011, fruit production of over 14.92 lakh tonnes was achieved by bringing 1,525 hectares of additional area under fruit cultivation and total area had increased to 47,775 hectares under fruit cultivation. Over 16.96 lakh tonnes of vegetables were produced by bringing over 1.93 lakh hectares of area under vegetable cultivation.

He said that 58,230 tonnes of spices had been produced through cultivation over an area of 9,580 hectares. Medicinal plants and flowers were grown over an area of 890 hectares and 3,360 hectares, respectively during the same period, he added.

Source: The Economic Times

Michoacán leads Mexican cherimoya production

The Mexican state of Michoacán is leading the country’s cherimoya production with 367.5 metric tons (MT) last season, according to figures from the Agrifood and Fishing Information Service (SIAP).

The state’s production of the fruit – also known as a custard apple – amounted to an estimated  value of MXN2.119 million (US$155,678), with the municipality of Tacámbaro leading output with 210MT.

The municipalities of  Ario de Rosales, Salvador Escalante, Tancítaro, Tingambato and Pátzcuaro also contributed to the gross figure.

Custard apples belong to the Annonaceae family and are classified as an exotic fruit rich in vitamins B1, B2 and C, as well as potassium.

They have a sweet aromatic creamy taste with large black seeds and are high in sugars and proteins.

Michoacan’s cherimoya production is followed by the states of Morelos and Hidalgo.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com

Mexican pomefruit production to rise, grapes to fall in 2011-12

Mexican apple and pear production is set for a slight rise this season while freezing temperatures are set to impact table grape harvests, according to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report.

The USDA Global Agricultural Information Network’s (GAIN) ‘Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual’ reported that Mexico’s main apple-growing state Chihuahua was expected to boost production through higher use of intensive management practices.

The report forecast 605,000 metric tons (MT) of apples in 2011-12, 25,200MT of pears and 210,000MT of table grapes.

Read full article at FreshFruitPortal.com.

On the way to an unmanned mushroom nursery

Johan van Namen en Methore develop futuristic vision

Johan van Namen mushroom nursery began 25 years ago with 12 cells. Together with Mari van Namen the nursery has grown to 7 locations which can produce 100 tons of mushrooms per week. The wholesale has all varieties of mushrooms. The company is growing with the newest technology or is participating in the development of it. Through this the company is orientated to the future.

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Video: Gerbera Greenhouse Production

Entrepreneur tries hand at commercial blueberry production

Posted By SHIRLEY MILLS, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA
Posted 13 hours ago

Level Plains Inc. hopes its latest business venture here blossoms.
Owner Trevor Laing has secured 605 acres of a clear-cut area to grow blueberries. He bought the land in 2003.

Currently, Laing has seven employees on the job and added another excavator operator to expedite the process. With the two machines working, results could be seen within three to five years, he said in a recent interview.

Laing said when the farm is fully up and running, there will be four full-time employees eight months of the year.

During the intense harvesting period, there is to be 25 to 30 hired for at least six weeks.
There is no commercial production of blueberries in Ontario, such as those in Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

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