Up until this month, most of the domestic strawberry offerings in Israel came from greenhouses. But now that open field supplies are ramping up for the season, increased availability of fruit has driven down prices.
“We had a good market from November through December,” said Ronen Schachet with Sunny Dan, “because I was able to come in with greenhouse supplies that aren't dependent on the weather.” Now that supplies from the middle of the country are increasing, the market isn't as lucrative as it was before.
Competition is fierce, noted Ronen, especially considering the costs he incurs adhering to a near-organic growing philosophy. While his use of fertilizers prevents him from obtaining organic certification, he uses no pesticides. Other growers in the country use more pesticides and have lower costs, and while the distinction between the two kinds of growers is marketable in Europe, where residue levels are heavily scrutinized, that isn't the case in Israel.
“Open-field fruit will be available until April, and I'm not sure how long my supplies will go,” said Ronen. “My fruit has a nice color, but it won't be until May that I know if I'll have a good year.”
