The Strawberry Sweet of

If there’s a type of farming that pays VERY well, it is none other than strawberry farming in Jamaica. It pays much better than tomatoes, watermelon, cabbages, lettuce, hot peppers, pumpkins, sweet peppers, etc...

1 hectare (2 ½ acres) of strawberry gives 3 times more profit than tomatoes or watermelon.

Farmers who gain the knowledge of strawberry production, put in the money and effort growing strawberries— never—ever complain. Their only wish is for the current state of affairs in strawberry profits to continue for a very long time.

Is Strawberry Farming Profitable in Jamaica?

Prospective strawberry farmers ask this question all the time. Here’s how I answer them...Yes. Strawberry farming is highly profitable. Countless research and field experience prove strawberry farming profit outperforms other types of fruit and other crop farming. Here’s how.

First, let’s consider the yield per acre of strawberries.

Though the strawberry yields per acre in Jamaica are below global average, there is great potential to improve it and steps have been taken by Caribbean Chemicals (Jamaica) Limited in working with strawberry farmers to train them to improve yields, shelf life, overall quality and the brix (sweetness) rate.

When other fruits yield between 20-30 tons per hectare, strawberries yield 57 tons per hectare. That is almost twice the yield of the second best yielding fruit! NOTE: 1 hectare is 2.5 acres.

Another fruit that comes close to such yields is watermelon. The others are far-far away.

Secondly, There’s less competition in the strawberry market.”

The low competition in the strawberry market is a result of fewer farmers growing it. When there are few players in the market, but a high demand for a product, it’s certain that strawberry growers will make a handsome profit!

Third, it is possible to produce strawberries throughout the year.

When farming mango and other fruits like oranges, etc… production is ONLY possible once or twice a year.

However, with strawberries, the production is year round. This means you’ll have a product to sell throughout the year!

Fourth, The farm gate price of 1 Kilo of strawberries.

In many parts of the world, the price of 1 kilo (approximately 2.5 lbs) of strawberry can be as high as between US$3.31 and US$3.01 per kilogram or between US$1.50 and US$1.37 per pound. The price in Euro is EUR 3.31 per kg. In Jamaica the price is between J$1400 to J$2000 per pound.

Don’t believe me?

Well, walk into any Jamaican supermarket and check on the price of strawberries.

I assure you, “You’ll be utterly surprised by what you

How to grow sweet strawberries at home

Pick a strawberry: There are three main types to choose from: June bearing, everbearing and day neutral.

Planting: They like personal space, so plant them between 14 and 18 inches apart. They’re Thirsty: Strawberries need at least 1-2 inches of water daily.

Sunlight: Plant the strawberries in areas where they can get 6-10 hours of sun per day.

Runners: Strawberries like to stay close to the mother plant, make sure to snip some of the runners so that they have plenty of space.

Together, let us Learn. Grow. Eat.