Berry Forum 2025, leaders shaping the future of Polish berry production

The second edition of Berry Forum 2025, held in Ożarów Mazowiecki, confirmed that Poland is entering a new stage in the development of strawberry and raspberry production under cover. The event was attended by over 450 growers and industry representatives from all over Europe, and more than 40 companies presented their latest technologies and solutions for the berry sector.

However, it was the participants – growers, advisors, producers, and innovators – who were the greatest asset of the conference. It is they, those who have decided to invest their time and attention in acquiring knowledge, who will be the creators of the future of the Polish berry industry in the coming years.

Polish berries are growing, maturing, and accelerating

During the conference, it was repeatedly emphasized that berry production in Poland is developing exceptionally dynamically. Every year, hundreds of hectares of modern tunnels are built, and investments in cultivation technologies are becoming a permanent part of the strategy of the largest farms.

However, expanding the area alone is not enough to remain competitive. Experts pointed to the need to optimize processes, manage production precisely, and use resources wisely, which are decisive for profitability in the current market reality.

Efficiency and yield – new levels, new ambitions

One of the most important points of the conference were the presentations by Western practitioners, who pointed the way forward for the technological development of tunnel cultivation. Ireneusz Wypasek's (New Forest Fruit, UK) presentation included figures that prompted many growers to rethink their approach to production.

The minimum yield of strawberries under cover in modern systems is currently 60-70 tons per hectare, and on farms using the latest solutions, it exceeds 100-120 tons per hectare. This shows the real production potential that could also become the norm in Poland.

Production costs – a challenge that requires knowledge and decisions

Rising labor, energy, and production costs were a constant topic of discussion during the BERRY Forum. Speakers pointed out that Polish farms are experiencing similar cost pressures as producers in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom did earlier.

In these conditions, organizational efficiency becomes particularly important: effective work, proper harvest planning, process standardization, investments in automation, and restructuring of work and employee management systems. Conference participants received specific tips and examples of solutions that they can implement on their farms today.

The labor market – the biggest challenge of the coming years

The issue of the availability of seasonal workers dominated one of the debates. As MP Mirosław Maliszewski emphasized, the Polish fruit and berry sector needs over 120,000 workers from Ukraine every year. Without this group, production growth would be impossible.

At the same time, he pointed out that there is currently no alternative country that would be able to fill this gap on a similar scale. There are more and more workers from Asia and Africa, but the scale of the influx remains insufficient. For this reason, it is necessary to give priority to the agricultural sector in migration policies and to implement solutions that will streamline the recruitment process, especially for seasonal workers.

It became clear to the conference participants that building stable teams and introducing solutions to reduce the labor intensity of production will be a key element of the strategy for the coming seasons.

Biological protection and fruit quality – a direction that cannot be ignored

In the context of retail chain expectations and growing consumer awareness, fruit quality, and in particular the level of plant protection product residues, is becoming increasingly important.

During the BERRY Forum, numerous biological and microbiological solutions were presented that allow production with minimal use of chemical pesticides. Experts pointed out that technologies based on microorganisms, beneficial fungi and bacteria, biostimulants, and natural extracts are the future of berry cultivation in Europe.

Berry Forum participants – those who are ahead of the future

However, the greatest value of the conference was its participants – people who are aware, ambitious, and open to change. It is they who, through their presence, exchange of experiences, conversations with experts, and willingness to develop their farms, are becoming the most influential creators of the future of the Polish berry industry.

They were the first to learn about new trends, gain access to the latest knowledge and real-life examples of implementations that will shape the market in the coming years. Today, they are already becoming leaders who will set the standards for berry production in Poland.

The next edition in 2026 – the industry is growing, so Berry Forum is growing too

The growing scale and importance of Polish dessert strawberry and raspberry production make events such as the BERY Forum not only necessary, but essential. They provide a platform that brings together science, business, practice, technology, and a vision for the future.

The organizers have already announced the third edition of the conference, which will take place in November 2026. It will be another opportunity to meet again with leaders and jointly shape the directions for the further development of the Polish berry industry.

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mariusz.podymniak@hortusmedia.pl