Chile Blueberry harvest still on track after rain

Heavy rains on November 7-8 stopped Chile’s blueberry harvest for one day but will only reduce the export crop slightly in the south of the country, according to the Chilean Blueberry Committee

November 12 , 2010

New Zealand kiwi vine disease reports multiply outside original site

Officials with New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) have expanded their search for the kiwi vine bacteria PSA outside of the Bay of Plenty where the first case was reported, local media said.

November 11 , 2010

Chilean cherries, grapes, peaches and plums suffer light damage from heavy rains

Heavy rain in central Chile Nov. 7 caused slight damage to cherries, table grapes, apricots and plums, resulting in slightly lower export However projections are still better than 2009-10 season, according to analysis by fruit consultancy iQonsulting.

November 10 , 2010

New Zealand kiwi vine disease confirmed

New Zealand's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry confirmed that a kiwi bacterial disease has been found in an orchard in the Bay of Plenty, according to local news reports

November 09 , 2010

Fuji Fubrax variety comes to Chile

The Fuji Fubrax, develops a ruby red color with striations faster than other Fuji varieties. The variety is now available and allows growers in Chile to harvest the fruit at the peak of ripeness without having to wait for the right coloration and risk losing quality.

November 08 , 2010

Morpholine fight highlights regulatory challenges for Chilean fruit exporters

Rules on chemical substances are likely to get stricter in the future, and exporters must adapt, Andes Laboratory executive says

November 05 , 2010

Argentina exports nearly 5,000 tons of blueberries in October

Total is more than double the amount shipped in October 2010, and price per kilogram was higher too, although a price drop hit the market towards towards the end of the month. The US leads receptions with some 70% of exports from the Southern Cone nation thus far.

November 04 , 2010

Chilean investors aim to bring blueberry production to dry zones

Chilean investment holding group Esparta is looking for dry zones in Chile and abroad to grow blueberries in order to take products to market outside of the traditional harvest peaks.

November 03 , 2010

Growers association: Argentina blueberry returns risk losses if price drop continues

If prices of Argentine blueberries in the US continue to drop below US$ 18/ carton it is not profitable for the harvest to continue, a growers association said.

November 02 , 2010

Chilean shipments of stonefruit to increase 20% in 2010-11

With better weather in 2010, Chile is expected to ship about 200,000 tons, while South African exporters worry about the exchange rate, iQonsulting report says.

November 01 , 2010