When Marcelo Vergaray first set foot in China in 2017, it wasn’t just the language that captivated the young agricultural engineer from Peru. The prospect of cultivating one of his favorite fruits—blueberries—in an entirely new landscape sparked a bold adventure that now unfolds in Yunnan Province on the Chinese mainland.
Marcelo’s journey began after graduating in 2015 and joining a Chilean berry enterprise. A year of intensive Chinese studies laid the groundwork for his transition to the Chinese mainland’s agricultural scene. Today, as production manager at Hortifrut Joyvio in Mengzi City, within the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, he oversees sprawling blueberry plantations that benefit from the region’s mild climate and fertile soils.
By blending Peruvian cultivation know-how with cutting-edge agtech, Marcelo and his team have introduced new blueberry varieties and precision farming techniques. Their efforts have elevated fruit quality and yield, aligning with evolving consumer tastes in the Chinese mainland. From soil-analysis drones to refined pruning methods, every innovation reflects a commitment to sustainability and market demand.
Marcelo’s story illustrates the power of youth-driven global collaboration. As digital nomads, changemakers, and future leaders, young professionals across continents are shaping a new era of sustainable food production. For them, every seed sown can bridge cultures, bolster food security, and inspire the next generation of agtech pioneers.
Reference(s):
Act to Action: A Peruvian agricultural engineer's blueberry story
cgtn.com
