In Japan, consumers purchase sweet and tasty strawberries all the year round. Berries are eaten both fresh and as processed products. Strawberry cakes and many other types of sweets are popular among young ladies and children. In the Philippines, strawberry jam and wines are marketed. But we can create additional demand for berries by producing sweets using them. Presently in the Philippines, o…
High value agricultural products present economic opportunities for competitive producers, both in international and local markets. In the South African context, policies such as the National Development Plan, the Agricultural Policy Action Plan and the New Growth Path guides the sector towards export-focussed, labour intensive farming to bolster economic crop and to reach set targets for job c…
Blueberries are one of the few fruit crops native to North America. Wild blueberries were utilized by Native Americans for making medicines, dyes, and flavorings, as well as for direct consumption. Once a small-scale crop produced within limited regions, blueberries are now grown throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Although highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are the…
Setting out new plants -- Always prune or rub off all flower buds and cut back 1/2 to 2/3 of the height at the time of planting. For potted plants, gently separate and spread out the roots so that the root mass is no longer in the shape of a pot. In Year One – the goal is to avoid fruit production entirely. With removal of all flower buds at the beginning of year one, the bush grows vegetativ…