Zimbabwe Farmers Expand Blueberry Production for China

Zimbabwean farmers, particularly those at Forrester Estates, are aiming to expand their blueberry production to meet rising demand from China, which became a new market following a phytosanitary agreement signed a year prior and the removal of tariffs on imports from 53 African countries. Farm manager Albert Chakala indicated plans to double the farm's blueberry planting area to 50 hectares (124 acres) next year, with each additional hectare requiring an investment of $50,000 to $55,000.

Zimbabwe is currently Africa's third-largest blueberry producer, trailing Morocco and South Africa, and has established export routes to European, British, and Middle Eastern markets. However, the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) notes that access to affordable finance is a significant barrier to growth, compounded by ongoing monetary challenges in Zimbabwe.

HDC chief executive Linda Nielsen emphasized the financing difficulties, while Clarence Mwale, chairman of the Export Produce Growers Association of Zimbabwe, pointed out that the new market opportunities could help indigenous farmers enter the sector, provided they have access to cheaper, long-term financing.