SALEM, Ore. — A farm in southwestern Idaho is attempting to grow blueberries on a commercial scale, making it one of the first producers in the state if the project proves successful.
A major hop grower and a University of Idaho researcher are coordinating efforts on figuring out how to make blueberries grow in the region, the Capital Press reported last week.
Brock and Phillip Obendorf Farms in Parma has been growing blueberries on 18 acres for a couple of years, but the results have been mixed.
Phil Obendorf said the yield has not been enough to make the endeavor profitable.
The problem is with the soil’s level of acidity, Obendorf said.
Essie Fallahi, a researcher of fruit cultivation at the university, has been looking for how to alter the soil to support the growth of blueberries.
“We are trying to grow blueberries but we are fighting with high pH problems,” Fallahi said. “It’s a major problem and causes damage to production.”
