Agronometrics Shorts: Climatic Impact of El Nino Delays Peru’s 2023/24 Blueberry Season

The Peruvian blueberry industry is confronted with a challenging start to the 2023/24 season, owing to the pronounced impact of the El Niño phenomenon. Unusual weather conditions, characterized by temperatures surpassing the historical average, have disrupted blueberry production and caused delays in harvesting mandarins and blueberries. From May to mid-July, the export of fresh blueberries amounted to only 7.2 thousand metric tons (mt), representing a decreased volume compared to the previous year. The atypical weather patterns, marked by temperatures ranging between 39°F and 41°F, exceeding the 25-year average, have impacted the flowering of blueberry varieties, like Ventura, leading to a longer blueberry season than initially anticipated. Producers situated in the La Libertad region have been considerably impacted, leading to concerns regarding a potential decline of 10% to 15% in blueberry volume compared to the previous year. Nonetheless, in the face of these obstacles, blueberry producers steadfastly uphold their commitment to meet the demands of major markets, including the United States (US), China, and Europe.

Written by: Sarah Ilyas