April 25 - May 4, 1998
Submitted by: Linda D. MacDonald, May 15, 1998

A. The groundwork and planning by Mr. Bill Radford, Director, International Centre, prior to the trip, was more than adequate. Prior arrangements for translation, travel, hotels and US dollars were much appreciated. Translation for presentations and technical discussions was a necessity. Many establishments had problems with VISA and ready cash was also a necessity. Exchange of US dollars to Krooni (1:12) was the easiest currency exchange route. Bottled water and a watchful eye on diet was also a necessity.

B. Overall, the presentations went well.
The Estonian Ministry of Agriculture was in turmoil as they were moving into newly refurbished quarters. This, coupled with the vacation of Olav Kreen for the entire week, made the initial presentation a little awkward. The officials present appeared at first not to know why we were there, and one individual was overtly hostile.

However, as a group, they were soon won over. There was keen interest in the Department's "hands-on" extension philosophy and marketing programming, with many questions on market information and research. (Much of the Estonian Ministry's resources are tied to policy and strategy in an effort to align with EU requirements.)

Presentations at the University of Tartu were well attended. Approximately 20 attended for the marketing presentation on day one, and approximately 30 for production aspects. The main interest by staff, students and producers was overwhelmingly in the production aspects of wild blueberries. Issues of varieties, production technology (fertilizer, weed and pest control, climatic effects) and management costs formed the bulk of the queries offered by those in attendance.

C. Much investment in human and financial resources will be necessary to "build" a wild blueberry industry in Estonia.
Initial opportunities are present for a fresh market' crop for domestic and export consumption, providing post-harvest handling conditions are met.

An entrepreneurial "spirit" is present, the opportunities are real, but much training and organizing of producers will be necessary (i.e. farm management, business training, technology transfer - e.g. production technology, post-harvest handling).

Processing is not currently an option - the plant (Saarek) is old and inefficient. Without investment, the plant will unlikely be able to compete long-term with EU competitors.

Please contact the Marketing and Food Industry Development Branch for a full copy of this report.