Framework Program – Blueberry Conference 2026 #ShelfLife

The 14th edition of the International Blueberry Conference is ahead of us – one of the most important events for the blueberry industry in Poland and Europe. This year’s conference will take place in a two-day format, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The conference session (March 5) will focus on the latest trends in blueberry cultivation, market changes, and key challenges facing the industry in the coming years. The outdoor field session (March 6) will provide participants with the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on knowledge directly in the field. For years, the conference has brought together leaders of the blueberry market, including growers, fruit buyers, exporters, and suppliers of innovative cultivation and technological solutions. It is a unique platform for exchanging experience, inspiration, and building valuable business relationships. That is why it is worth being there.

March 5 – Mazurkas Hotel****, Ożarów Mazowiecki/near Warsaw

9:00-9:20 Conference opening and welcome address

9:20-9:45 Pollination matters! – Monika Bieniasz, PhD, University of Agriculture in Krakow

9:45-10:10 Key conclusions from five years of experience at Blueberry Factory – Paweł Krawiec, PhD, Horti Team

10:10-10:30 Precise plant support in difficult seasonal conditions – Małgorzata Gruszczyk, PhD, Natura Expert

10:30-10:50 Breeding development and the future of new varieties – prof. Stanisław Pluta, Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice

10:50-11:05 Summary

11:05-12:00 Coffee break

12:00-12:40 Control and precision in fertilization and irrigation = fruit quality – Marco R. Butera, Global Berry Specialist

12:40-1:00 p.m. Residue-free control of spotted wing drosophila. Is it possible? – Bayer Polska

1:00-1:20 p.m. Harvest blueberries without compromising quality. What do the new varieties offer?– Arkadiusz Bajak, Fall Creek

1:20-1:50 p.m. AI in practice. Technologies already in use – Paweł Wawryszczuk, Plantacja Polana & Maciej Dusza, AGRISKY

1:50-2:10 p.m. Summary

2:10-3:20 p.m. Lunch break

3:20-4:00 p.m. Prospects and challenges for the further development of blueberry cultivation in Europe – DEBATE, moderator – Dominika Kozarzewska

4:00-4:20 p.m. Sorting and packing – Unitec

4:20-4:45 p.m. Prospects for mechanical blueberry harvesting. Where does Poland stand in the global market? – Arkadiusz Smarz, Agronom Berries

4:45-5:15 p.m. North versus South – Stephen Taylor, Winterwood Farms Ltd.

5.15-5.45 p.m. How to effectively control Botrytis cinerea in blueberry cultivation. Let’s start with the microbiome – dr Emilia Mikulewicz, Cultiva EcoSolutions

5:45-6:15 p.m. How not to lose quality and shelf life after harvest. Principles of cooling in cold stores and during packing – Krzysztof P. Rutkowski, PhD, Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice

6.15-6.35 p.m. Summary

7:30 p.m. Gala Dinner

 

March 6 – Blueberry plantation near Grójec

Machinery demonstrations, blueberry bush pruning (Valor, Cargo, Top Shelf, Duke varieties)

Register now and secure your tickets