Strawberry at Berry Forum 2024: What we have prepared for you
We wish to invite all producers of dessert strawberries and people trading such fruits to the first day of the 1st International Strawberry and Raspberry Conference – Berry Forum 2024. The conference will be entirely devoted to modern strawberry cultivation techniques and the requirements for the sale of these berries. Below you will find the details of the speeches and topics that will be discussed during this extremely important event for the industry.
November 27, 2024 – Strawberry
9:30-9:45 – Conference opening
Part I: Agrotechnics
9.45-10.15 Will growing strawberries in the ground be profitable? Selection of varieties and technologies based on Strawberry Inspirations project
Speakers: Mateusz Włodarczyk & Mariusz Podymniak will analyze the economics of growing strawberries in the ground and present tips on how to select varieties and technologies that will increase the profitability of this crop.
10.15-10.35 Use of organic products in growing strawberries for accelerated harvesting
Speaker: Dr. Jerzy Próchnicki, an independent crop advisor, will give a presentation showing innovative methods of using organic products to speed up the harvest and improve the quality of crops.
10.35-10.55 Selection of seedlings and varieties for plantations in tunnels and practical growing information
Speaker: Dariusz Danilkiewicz, representing Agronom Plants, will present information regarding selection of strawberry seedlings and the best varieties for cultivation in tunnels, as well as practical advice on their care based on Agronom Berries experience.
10.55-11.30 Management of nutrient supply while growing strawberries in substrates
Speaker: Dennis Wilson, Delphy (Great Britain), will discuss methods of effective strawberry fertigation management which can significantly affect yield and fruit quality. This outstanding specialist from Delphy has been advising for many years on the best berry plantations based on modern strawberry substrate cultivation technologies.
11.30-12.00 Discussion and summary
At this point we encourage all participants to ask questions and share their thoughts on how to effectively produce strawberries in accordance with current trends.
12.00-12.50 Coffee break
Time for networking and experience exchange between participants, as well as for visiting several dozen stands of companies presenting their technologies allowing modern cultivation of berry plants.
Part II: Sales**
12.50-13.10 Expectations and requirements of retail chains
Speaker: Andrzej Łukijańczuk from Agronom Berries will discuss trends and requirements imposed on fruit producers by retail chains and ways to meet them.
13.10-14.00 Requirements for the sale of fruit in supermarkets. DEBATE with representatives of domestic and foreign companies trading berries.
A discussion panel with representatives of domestic and foreign companies selling berries:
– Agronom Berries (Poland), Andrzej Łukijańczuk
– Frutania (Germany), Markus Schneider
– San Lucar (Spain), Ryszard Batolik
The debate will be an opportunity to discuss the rules for selling strawberries on international markets and best practices. The discussion will be moderated by Krzysztof Zabowka who is currently associated with Fall Creek, which guarantees accurate questions and an extremely interesting debate.
14.00-15.30 Lunch break
In addition to the delicious food that Hotel Mazurkas is famous for, it will be a chance to establish new contacts and talk in a less formal atmosphere.
Part III: Production trends and requirements
15.30-16.10 New everbearing varieties and cultivation systems
Speaker: Simon Schumacher from the Orchard Experimental Station Köln-Auweiler (Germany). This research center, closely related to practical production consulting, conducts some of the most interesting experiments on the yield of the latest varieties of everbearing strawberries which have the potential to increase crop efficiency. New cultivation systems for this group of strawberry varieties are also being introduced. On the one hand, they significantly affect the yield of plants and, on the other hand, they allow the fruit of these varieties to be obtained at unusual times. This promises to be an extremely interesting and practical lecture.
16.10-16.30 Optimization of fertilization programs and strawberry fertigation
Speaker: Dr. Eng. Diana Wieczorek from ICL Polska will discuss key aspects of fertilization and effective water management in strawberry cultivation, which may contribute to obtaining better yields and higher fruit quality.
16.30-16.50 How to avoid problems in growing strawberries for accelerated harvesting in tunnels
Speaker: Tomasz Domański, representing Agrosimex, will present innovative solutions that can help overcome typical challenges related to growing strawberries in tunnels. During this lecture, you will receive information on how to grow strawberries, from planting seedling in the soil to harvesting high-quality fruit.
16.50-17.30 How to avoid issues with misshapen fruits in the cultivation of everbearing varieties
Speaker: Jan Robben from Flevo Berry (Netherlands) in his lecture will help growers understand the causes of problems with fruit quality and the methods that can be used to obtain everbearing varieties yield with excellent shape and taste.
17:30-17:50 Logistics of berries – can transportation costs be reduced?
Speaker: Bartłomiej Muszyński from Legsad will present an extremely practical point of view based on acquired practical knowledge regarding best practices in berry transport logistics, aimed at optimizing costs and delivery efficiency. His lecture will also provide a chance to explore the requirements that will be placed on the international transport of berries in the upcoming years.
The first day of the conference ends with branch banquet.
The first day of the conference will end with an official banquet for industry members, which will be an ideal opportunity to talk freely and establish cooperation in a pleasant atmosphere.
We encourage you to register and actively participate in this inspiring event, which will provide you with a lot of valuable information and opportunities to develop your business in the strawberry industry. See you in November at the Berry Forum! Those of you who are interested in modern raspberry cultivation are invited to participate in the second day of the conference, which will be entirely devoted to the cultivation and sale of these fruits.
