I'm curious if anyone has experience growing strawberries on 1 to 2 acres in Ireland or the UK. Based on my research, it seems that 1 acre could yield around 10,000 to 12,700 kg of strawberries per year after spoilage. At wholesale prices of about €3 to €5 per kg, that could mean earnings between €30k and €63k annually! If sold directly to consumers, the potential jumps to €51k to €102k. However, I'm wondering if these figures are realistic when it comes to practical farming methods in this region. Thoughts?
3 Answers
It sounds like you're relying on some optimistic math here. Just remember, you can't expect all your strawberries to be sold, and there are tons of costs to consider like spoilage, pests, and other upkeep. Plus, the wholesale price might actually be closer to €1 per kg at the farm instead of the higher figures you mentioned for retail. Building a solid customer base for direct sales also isn't as easy as it sounds, requiring a lot of local demand.
I've not grown strawberries in the UK or Ireland, but they definitely have their challenges, like slugs and the moisture they need. Plus, after watching shows like Clarkson's Farm, I wouldn't bet on the weather cooperating either!
Would growing them in polytunnels help with the issues?
Honestly, if you're serious about strawberries, investing in greenhouses might be the way to go. Sure, the initial costs are high, but they can cut down on long-term expenses like pest control and weather damage, and even make your growing season longer. Plus, smart design could save on labor too!
Getting planning permission for greenhouses can be tricky. What about using polytunnels instead?
I get that point, but I'm just trying to figure out if growing that amount is even possible on one acre, not necessarily that I'd sell all of it.