Blueberry business
Producers discuss industry promotion, ways to improve during AGM
TRURO (TCM) — Harold Barclay is eager to broaden his knowledge in the industry he loves.
The Debert resident was one of about 200 people who participated in the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia annual general meeting in Truro on Friday.
Barclay has been growing blueberries for about 10 years and owns Barclay’s Berries in Mount Thom.
Despite his experience, the AGM was a perfect opportunity for him, and others in the industry, to learn more to improve business and network with other growers and producers.
“I want to learn about better management practices and see what’s out there for more chemicals to improve the yield,” Barclay told the Truro Daily News, adding this year resulted in “a good season” with good weather and pollination. “I want to see what others are using (pesticides and chemicals) ... and I want to know more about promotion and market values.”
Peter van Dyk, president of the wild blueberry producers association, agreed with Barclay’s assessment that promotion of the industry is vital.
“We know we have good product and we need others to know it, too. We sell blueberries to 32 countries around the world ... we put millions of dollars in the economy a year. We hire people, buy equipment and that benefits the economy. We need to let people know we are here,” said Dyk.
He said it’s also important to spread the word “people’s productions this year have been good” for the most part.
Dyk said places like Truro, Debert and Oxford had a successful year, for the most part, whereas the western area, such as Yarmouth, “was less productive” because of a cold, wet spring.
Dyk said an average field price this past year was about 65 cents a pound, with hopefully another five or 10 cents a pound forthcoming in the winter. That initial field price compared to 60 cents a pound last year.
Lindsay Lewis, with Truro Argomart Ltd. in Onslow, was one of almost 30 people with an exhibit at the AGM on Friday.
The Bass River resident said people were eager to learn more about fertilizers and chemicals and what’s new in an ever-expanding business.
“There are hundreds of fertilizing blends and chemicals. We need to be innovative and go with the times and different regulations and what products are new,” Lewis said, adding there are still many people who are leery of the use of pesticides. “But as long as it’s done properly and following protocols it’s a good thing. We have to educate people.”