For this technology themed episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” we’re diving into a topic that sounds so futuristic, it could be straight from a science fiction movie. That topic is vertical farming. While the method and technology has mainly been used in growing leafy greens, vertical farming companies are partnering with berry production companies like Hortifrut to explore the viability for blueberries. 

Hosts Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), and Rod Cook, industry veteran and the chair of the Blueberry Technology and Innovation Committee, are joined by David Rosenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of AeroFarms for a riveting conversation about the potential for blueberries being grown in vertical farming operations.

“The idea is we could grow plants on the equator or the North Pole or anywhere in the world so anyone has access to fresh, great tasting produce, fruits and vegetables any time of the year.” - David Rosenberg

“I truly hope there are ways we can grow plants that are beneficial to the field farmers. We’ve done it before and I think we’ll do it again...there’s a lot of ways we can work together to solve problems and grow better plants for people. ” - David Rosenberg

Topics covered include: 

• The inception of AeroFarms and their success in farming leafy greens
• Viability of growing blueberries using AeroFarms’ vertical farming technology 
• AeroFarms and their collaboration with experts across agriculture

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Juan Soria in Mexico, Elizabeth Carranza in California, and Eric Stafne in Mississippi. This was recorded on June 9, 2021.  

Marketing Boost

With July just around the corner, that can mean only one thing: National Blueberry Month! USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks gives a preview of the best month of the year and details how you can get involved. Please join our FREE WEBINAR on Tuesday, June 15 (12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET), to learn how you can leverage USHBC resources to engage your customers and drive blueberry demand throughout July. Click here to register. 

Reminder: Complete Our ‘Business of Blueberries’ Survey

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