The economical aspects of blueberry growing | Krūmmelleņu audzēšanas ekonomiskie aspekti
2013
Apse, J., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia). Faculty of Agriculture | Karklins, A., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia). Faculty of Agriculture
The interest about high bush blueberry growing in Latvia started around 1995, when the first plantations were established. At the same time the field experiments were started, and the exchange of experience with the countries where this crop was grown, as well as investigations about the yield storage and processing. High bush blueberries have specific soil requirements and not always such soils occur naturally. Therefore soil modification is necessary, which sometimes may considerably raise the production costs. Also other inputs for the organization of plantation are substantial, therefore the interest about the necessary investments is relevant for the farmers, who have an idea about blueberry growing. The aim of presented article is to summarize the experience about the establishment and managing of 3 ha of real commercial blueberry plantation since 2004. The costs of the establishment of blueberry plantation (according to the prices of 2011) were high and reached 18500 Ls haE-1. According estimates, only at the 8th year of farming all costs necessary for the establishment of plantation, as well as annual maintenance expenditures will be covered. The 9th year could give some profit, but the earned money should be reinvested again because some establishments need to be replaced. Only the 10th year profit could be used for other than production purposes. The cost estimate analysis might help to look for the modifications and improvement of blueberry growing technology, as well as to think about marketing, cooperation and yield storage issues, because the payback time is rather long, but the production risks - high.
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