Blueberries have proven to be a winning bet for several farmers in a commune in Hunedoara. They gave up traditional corn and wheat crops and invested in the fruits they now sell throughout Europe. The annual profit reaches 30,000 euros.
The idea to plant blueberries appeared seven years ago in Beriu, Huneadoara. At that time, a company from Chile bought 30 hectares of land to grow blueberries. As the business went well, the villagers were inspired by the Chileans. “I was inspired by them, and I decided to set up a blueberry plantation on 2 hectares in the first phase, to see exactly what results we have,” said Emil Bîc, a farmer.
However, not everyone can invest in such a crop. For starters, 20,000 euros are needed for just one hectare – for the irrigation system and for shrubs. In the first years, the production is 5-6 tons of fruit harvested from one hectare, so that it then reaches 10-12 tons. On average, one kilogram of fruit is sold for export at 3 euros. Drawing the line, in a good summer, a farmer can earn over 30,000 euros. Every summer, hundreds of tons of blueberries from Beriu go to the foreign market. The countries that constantly buy blueberries from Hunedoara County are Austria, Germany and Italy.
There are eight locals in Beriu who now grow blueberries. The fruits are collected right from the commune, by a company that deals with this. “Yes, I gave up everything. I gave up my job, everything, for this plantation. Next year, if it’s good, we will enter production, with small steps, but we will enter production,” said Tatiana Nistoresc.
The young people in the commune also have something to gain from this business. Employed by the day for harvesting, they can earn even 1,200 lei in a month. As work goes better where there is also a bit of fun, the town hall decided to organize a Blueberry Festival in the commune.
Source: Digi24.ro