American consumers have come to expect a consistent, year round availability of berries in grocery stores. Although the current system for berry distribution relies on foreign supply (Mexico and Guatemala produce the greatest quantities of berries sold in the U.S.), the corresponding demand for berries creates an opportunity to market berries that are grown domestically. Speakers at the Virginia Berry Conference argue that locally-grown berries will not eliminate the dependence on berries produced south of the border because the berry growing season varies among distinct climates, however locally-grown berries can replace imported berries during the seasons in which they are ripe.
One way to extend the berry growing season is to use high tunnels, as advocated by Dr. Marvin Pritts from Cornell University. Dr. Pritts explained his method for using high tunnels to grow high-yield, high quality raspberries and blackberries that thrive despite harsh New York weather. He keeps them inside through the fall and winter, and brings them outside to sun in the summer. Dr. Pritts also grew raspberries and blackberries strictly outside, and carefully noted the differences between the high tunnel plants and the outside plants. There is a marked and significant difference-- those grown inside have a longer season, a greater yield, and more marketable fruit. The difference was more extreme for the blackberries than the raspberries. Pritts also noted that there were fewer insects inside the tunnels than outside.
Dr. John Clark from University of Arkansas discussed the specifics of blackberry trends and varieties. He noted that between 2000-2010 there was a significant increase in blackberry shipment in the U.S., more than ever before, and that 75% of the blackberries for sale are grown in Mexico. In Arkansas, he is on a team that is developing blackberry breeds to produce in the U.S. Some of the varieties he recommends for Virginia, considering that the Virginia climate is relatively similar to the Arkansas climate, are: Ouachita, Natchez, Kiowa, and Triple Crown.
Table grapes were also a subject of interest at the conference. Most of us (myself included) have never eaten a "fresh market" table grape, and the speakers advocated for the "impressive eating experience" that a grape can offer. The favorite varieties are: Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Vanessa, and Marquis. Spraying, however, seemed to be taken for granted in this discussion of grape production.
A lecture about pest management in berry crops was useful because I gained a better understanding about the function of certain insects and how to identify them. It was disheartening though to hear that spraying is still the easy, go-to option for controlling bugs.
As far as the Local Food Project is concerned, we will be growing strawberries this season! And looking forward to planting more berry varieties next year...
