Edgar Vhera-Specialist Writer 

IN a historic breakthrough for the horticulture sector, the country’s highly prized blueberries can now be exported to China, following the signing of a new protocol between the two countries in Beijing.

This was disclosed by Horticultural Development Council (HDC) chief executive officer, Mrs Linda Nielsen, who welcomed the agreement, which opens the door for local growers to expand into one of the world’s fastest-growing blueberry markets.

“This agreement is a milestone for Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector. What is needed now is collaboration to design policies that increase investment, boost production to meet required volumes and ensure that our blueberries meet China’s strict quality and phytosanitary standards,” she said.

The scale of exports to China will be guided by the new protocol’s sanitary and phytosanitary requirements and the related compliance costs.

Zimbabwe is projected to produce 12 000 tonnes of blueberries in 2025, a 50 percent rise from 8 000 tonnes in 2024.

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