Strawberry is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the genus Fragaria in the rose family. It is considered a non-traditional vegetable crop and is one of the high-yield horticultural products that can be exported fresh, frozen, or processed.
This crop holds significant importance in export agriculture and is one of the most widely consumed fruits globally, appealing to many consumers. Strawberries can thrive in various soil types and moderate climatic conditions.
In recent years, Egypt has focused on increasing strawberry production significantly, expanding cultivation beyond Qalyubia Governorate to several areas across the country. However, the prevailing method of using frozen seedlings is not suitable for exporting to European countries due to delayed production until early March, which coincides with the end of the export season and lower prices during that time.
As a result, strawberry producers have concentrated on boosting exports and increasing production from November to February, a period when higher prices can be achieved. This strategy aims to avoid competition with other countries and meet the rising demand for strawberries during these months. Consequently, there has been a shift towards planting early varieties and adopting fresh planting methods that enable production at the start of the export season in November.
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Source: Harvest Magazine
Author: Eng. Emad Mahdi
Director of Fad Import and Export Company
Owner of Al-Fayrouz Agricultural Development Nurseries and Farms
