Dutch blueberry breeder Driesvenplant has opened a new modern growing facility, that could help triple production capabilities on an annual basis.
Located in Meterik, in the province of Limburg, the nursery consists of an 8.5ha field, a warehouse of 1,100m2 and an office unit, with wide-scale automation meaning that only five-six employees are required to produce up to 1.8m plants each year.
The expansion is much needed, given the ongoing growth in demand for blueberries and blueberry plants, driven by the health benefits of the fruit. This was emphasised at a symposium, titled 'Blueberries and health', which coincided with the opening of the nursery.
Speakers at the symposium included Bob Vostermans, councillor of the Dutch municipality of Horst aan de Maas, Andrea Pergher of Fall Creek Nursey, and professor Theo de Kok of the University of Maastricht.
The main conclusion drawn from the event was that blueberries are healthy, have a positive impact on the prevention of various diseases, and that there is plenty of room for the industry to increase it sales.
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