On 4 September 2026, the Borówkowe Factory 2026 Finale brought together growers, advisors and industry representatives in Karczmiska, Poland, to review the past blueberry-growing season and discuss the future of sustainable fruit production.
A key focus of the event was the adoption of innovative digital tools to support more sustainable crop protection practices in blueberry production.
Decision Support System Supports Sustainable Crop Protection
The event was held at the farm of Dr Paweł Krawiec, whose Novel Approach based on a Decision Support System (DSS) was introduced to the soft fruit sector in 2025. Dr Krawiec regularly hosts meetings that encourage knowledge exchange among growers, advisors and industry stakeholders, creating opportunities to discuss current production challenges and innovative solutions.
The meeting opened with a presentation by Dr Krawiec, who explained how the DSS implemented on his farm supports crop protection decisions. The system enables more precise applications of plant protection products while also identifying non-chemical alternatives and lower-risk solutions for managing pests and diseases.
One of the key objectives behind the introduction of the system was the reduction of pesticide use. Dr Krawiec highlighted that, following the introduction of monitoring traps in 2025, the use of insecticides against Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila) was completely discontinued on the plantation. He also reviewed the 2026 season, which was marked by challenging weather conditions, including spring frosts and periods of extreme heat.
AdvisoryNetPEST Presented to Growers and Advisors
The AdvisoryNetPest project was presented during the event, introducing participants to the project’s objectives and showcasing selected Novel Approaches from Poland, alongside examples from other countries. Attendees were invited to join the project network and contribute to the exchange of practical knowledge on sustainable pest management.
The programme also included technical lectures on nutrient solution formulation and discussions on supporting plant physiological processes during periods of both high and low temperatures. A producer-trade debate provided an opportunity to discuss current challenges and future developments in the sector.
In the afternoon, participants attended practical workshops focused on the operation of the Decision Support System (DSS) and its application in everyday farm management. Additional demonstrations covered fertigation practices and the use of microorganisms to help reduce disease-related problems in plantations.
Technology demonstrations were another highlight of the event. Participants observed an OXBO blueberry harvester supplied by Agrowiec and crop-spraying drones demonstrated by Agrosky. These technologies highlighted the increasing importance of mechanisation as growers respond to rising labour costs and challenges in accessing seasonal workers.
The event concluded with a broader discussion on the future of blueberry production, highlighting the importance of risk management strategies, plant health monitoring, and resilient production systems.
