MAX FACTS
GROWING TIPS, NEWS AND TRIVIA
Blueberries Enjoying High Demand
The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) reports that per capita
blueberry consumption in North America grew almost 50 per cent
between 2010 and 2015. Moreover, according to Mark Villata, the
executive director of US Highbush Blueberry Council, "The interest
in blueberries from the consumer side is continuing to grow." The
US Highbush Blueberry Council predicts blueberry production in
North America will increase to 940 million pounds in 2019, up
from 750.2 million pounds last year. By then, the council projects
blueberry production will have increased 25 per cent from 2015. The
Highbush Council wants to target countries
where fresh US blueberries are
not available—including
Australia, Chile, South
Korea and Vietnam—to
increase demand.
North America
accounts for more
than half the
global supply
of blueberries,
which is expected
to surpass 1.4
billion pounds in
2016, according to
the Highbush Council.
– freshplaza.com
Future of Farming Found in Philly
The owners of Metropolis Farms grow fresh produce year around in a small warehouse
in South Philly. The smell of basil fills the room as produce is grown sustainably with
recycled water, special lights and coconut board. The second-floor vertical farm yields
as much produce as an immense outdoor farm. The secret? “The innovation here
is density, as well as energy and water conservation,” says Metropolis
Farms president Jack Griffin. “We can grow more food in less
space using less energy and water. The result is that I can
replace 44,000 square feet with 36 square feet. When you
hear those numbers, it kind of makes sense.” What’s great
about indoor farming is avoiding the elements. Harsh sun,
pollution and bugs are a big issue in outdoor farming.
The few bugs Metropolis gets are counteracted by the
carnivorous plants that vice-president of operations
Lee Weingrad genetically modified. Orders are taken
each day and harvest begins around 10 or 11
a.m. By 1 pm orders are out the door being
delivered to restaurants and grocery stores
with freshly pulled produce.
– tec