The first Latvian strawberries have appeared at the Central Market. By the way, prices are not that high compared to other products.
Due to the cool spring, the berries are ripening more slowly this year than in previous years, and many producers expect a full harvest only next week, farmers interviewed by journalists reported.
The agronomist of the company Mad Nordic, operating under the brand "Augusta zemenes" and growing strawberries, Guntars Dzervē, said that the first berries are already starting to appear, but very slowly, so the season is starting later than usual.
He noted that his colleagues in Talsi and Mangali are already picking the first berries. Also, the first batches of strawberries for sale have appeared in the vicinity of Jekabpils, however, "Augusta zemenes" has not yet started full-scale harvesting.
According to Dzervē, full-scale strawberry harvesting in the greenhouses of the farm will begin in about a week.
He explained that strawberries grown in heated greenhouses are currently being harvested in Latvia. The greenhouses of "Augusta zemenes" are not heated, so the berries there have not yet ripened.
Speaking about prices, the agronomist reported that Latvian strawberries in farms currently cost between 10 and 15 euros per kilogram. After the start of harvesting in unheated greenhouses, the price may drop to 8-12 euros per kilogram.
Dzervē emphasized that producers understand that the purchasing power of residents this year is lower than before, and interest in expensive strawberries has noticeably decreased. This has been influenced by rising costs for fuel, electricity, and heating.
A representative of the company Jaunvecumi, Laine Aukmane, reported that the first harvest of strawberries from heated greenhouses is already being collected at the farm. The company aimed to have the harvest ready by Mother's Day, so the berries were planted earlier than usual, and the goal was achieved. However, it is still too early to draw conclusions about the entire season, as it is just beginning.
Aukmane added that the cold nights have increased heating costs, so the price of strawberries is currently 15 euros per kilogram, reports the leading portal of Latgale, grani.lv.
