In Ukraine, a decrease in blueberry prices is forecasted due to climate change
The active blueberry harvesting season is underway in Ukraine. However, this year, farmers are facing a number of challenges, particularly due to late spring frosts that have damaged part of the harvest. This has led to a temporary increase in the price of the berry: currently, its market price starts at 280 hryvnias per kilogram. However, experts believe that the price will soon decrease.
This is reported by AgroReview
Impact of climate and regional characteristics
In Volyn, one of the largest farms in Ukraine grows blueberries on an area of 200 hectares. According to the deputy director of this enterprise, Serhiy Mail, this year’s harvest will be smaller. However, the increase in prices partially compensates for the losses:
“There are fewer berries, but the price is higher — about 30% more than last year. For us, this is a plus,” he says.
Volyn producers sell their products not only in the domestic market but also export them to Spain. There, the price of one kilogram of blueberries for export is 5–6 euros.
In Kyiv region, the situation is somewhat different. Entrepreneur Anatoliy Sobolev grows blueberries on 5 hectares; his harvest has been almost unaffected by frosts, and he expects to collect about 15 tons of berries. However, as the farmer notes, there is a serious problem with the lack of labor, especially among men.
“All the guys from the village — they are nowhere to be seen. Only the girls remain, and they are mostly mothers of many children,” says Mr. Anatoliy.
The farm’s operations have also been affected by the war: during the fighting, equipment worth 300,000 hryvnias was destroyed in the field. They managed to survive thanks to a government grant for horticulture.
Price situation and market prospects
The price of blueberries is determined by several factors. Wholesale purchases are made at a price of about 200 hryvnias per kilogram, while in stores, the berry can cost up to 330 hryvnias. The Ukrainian Berry Association predicts that the price will decrease in the near future:
“The price will decline because the heat accelerates the ripening of the berries. There are harvest losses, but they are not only in Ukraine, but also in Poland and Spain,” explains the director of the Association, Iryna Kukhtina.
Experts note that climate change significantly affects blueberry cultivation. One of the solutions is the proper selection of varieties that are suitable for specific growing conditions.
The Ukrainian blueberry market is gradually integrating into the global berry industry. More and more small farms are emerging, growing berries on areas of up to 5 hectares. They are focused on supplying the domestic market, while large producers direct their products for export.