Diego Castagnasso reflects on his visit to a blueberry production site in Pisco, Peru, highlighting its evolution from a desert-like landscape to a thriving operation. The establishment underwent significant changes, partnering with Family Tree Farms and expanding from 70 to nearly 600 hectares, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market demands and client needs in the blueberry industry.
In this guest article by Diego Castagnasso, a renowned expert in fresh produce and the blueberry industry, he reflects on his recent visit to a blueberry production site in Pisco, Peru. This site holds significance for him, as it was his inaugural visit a decade ago, and he has since formed friendships with the owners. The transformation of the facility exemplifies the evolution of the blueberry industry over the years.
Diego reminisces about the initial state of Agroinversiones Valle y Pampa, which resembled a desert landscape 15 years ago, with only irrigation tubing and sand defining its existence. Under the diligent leadership of Technical Director Juan Pablo, the team explored innovative methods to enhance their blueberry cultivation, transitioning from basic materials to utilizing advanced mulching techniques. This period involved numerous challenges and learning experiences, leading them to improve fruit quality significantly.
As the blueberry market evolved towards premium varieties, Agroinversiones Valle y Pampa adapted by collaborating with Family Tree Farms, establishing Family Farms Peru. This partnership allowed them to embrace MBO varieties like the new Eureka Gold, showcasing their growth from an initial 70 hectares to nearly 600 hectares of cultivated land.
Diego emphasizes the implications of this evolution, noting that the new closed club systems restricted their sales independence, consolidating their commercial operations to the United States. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the benefits of this cooperation, appreciating the continued development of his friends in both scale and technical knowledge. They remain committed to using cutting-edge techniques in pruning, pollination, and AI analysis to deliver the finest products possible.
Looking ahead, Diego raises critical questions about customer engagement in the blueberry industry. He invites readers to contemplate who the true clients are and whether new varieties are being tailored to meet their demands. He encourages feedback on these matters, promising to highlight insightful responses in his following newsletter. As Diego prepares for travel, he invites those attending the upcoming Lima Seminar to connect with him directly. He concludes the article by inviting readers to share the newsletter with friends or unsubscribe if they choose not to.
Finally, it is noteworthy that Family Farms Peru boasts the largest acreage of Eureka Gold blueberries globally, exemplifying the advancements they have made in the blueberry sector.
In conclusion, Diego Castagnasso’s reflective article illustrates the remarkable journey of Agroinversiones Valle y Pampa in Peru from a barren landscape to a thriving blueberry production site. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to innovation, the company has significantly expanded its operations and product offerings. The future of the blueberry industry hinges not only on production but also on understanding and adapting to client needs, a point Diego encourages his readers to consider.
Original Source: www.freshfruitportal.com