FullBlue360’s new technology can make blueberry plants resilient to most climates while yielding 200% increase in productivity per acre
Image: FullBlue 360 develops new technology to grow blueberries. Photo: Courtesy of Jill Wellington/Pixabay.
New Jersey-based FullBlue360 has developed a new soilless organic blueberry growing technology, which is environmentally friendly, sustainable and produces large and long-lasting organic berries into August.
The blueberries are grown in pots using a soilless medium and precision drip irrigation systems using 50-70% less water compared to traditional farming.
The technology developed by FullBlue360 also lets more plants to be grown in a smaller area. The plants are grown under shade cloth, creating weather resilience for most climates, resulting in 200% yield per acre, the company claims.
FullBlue360 CEO and co-founder Tiffany Bohlin said: “We are changing the way the world thinks about growing food. We use drip irrigation, grow under nets, and have found a way to use three-quarters less land to produce the same amount of blueberries on our 10 acre farm that could be grown on a 40-50 acre farm.”
FullBlue360 claims that the technology and growing process can only be found at its New Jersey farm and on a rooftop in Long Island City in New York, both sites run by the firm.
FullBlue360’s blueberries are USDA Certified Organic
As per the firm, its blueberries are USDA Certified Organic and are larger than average blueberry and some are claimed to be as wide as a quarter.
The firm grows several varieties, known as cultivars are grown. They ensure a hardier premium product which has a 22-28 day shelf life, coupled with a delicious taste. The firm’s blueberries are sold in most Mid-Atlantic and North East ShopRite stores.
Bohlin said: “Some universities out west are testing sustainable growing methods but small farms and commercial growers just aren’t there yet.
“We have already extended the NJ growing season by four weeks. Our goal is to expand to other climate zones so we can grow crops 8-10 months a year.”
Presently, the demand for an organic product to avoid harmful pesticides is growing.
Bohlin continued saying: “FullBlue360’s technology provides a great tasting jumbo organic product that also protects our planet by implementing sustainable growing practices that reduce land use and save precious water resources.”