# First Real Numbers: €170,000 — What Peat, Plants, Rows, and Fencing Actually Cost
We promised transparency. And we're keeping that promise.
After weeks of requesting quotes, negotiating, and comparing suppliers, we now have the first concrete numbers in front of us. And yes, they're big. But they're real — not vague estimates, not wide ranges "from X to Y", but actual amounts we received from suppliers we spoke with directly.
The total for the first major components: approximately €170,000.
And keep in mind — this is not the total investment. These are only the first four chapters of the budget.
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What the €170,000 Covers
Let's be very clear about what this sum includes, so there's no confusion:
1. Peat (acidic substrate). As we wrote in our article about the peat crisis in Europe, this is the single largest cost in the entire investment. Blueberries don't grow without an acidic substrate with a pH between 4.0 and 5.5, and the quantities needed per hectare are staggering. Peat alone accounts for a massive share of the €170,000.
2. Plants (blueberry bushes). Quality bushes, from tested varieties suited to the climate in western Romania. We didn't go with the cheapest option, because with blueberries, the quality of the planting material shows directly in production, year after year. Saving a few euros per bush today can mean kilograms lost tomorrow.
3. Peat rows (preparation and installation). It's not enough to buy the peat — you also need to install it correctly. Rows must be prepared to the right dimensions, peat must be distributed evenly, and the soil must be properly amended. The labour and logistics of this process carry a significant cost.
4. Perimeter fencing. The plantation needs protection from day one — from wildlife, from uncontrolled access, and for the general security of the investment. A solid fence around the entire property isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.
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What This Sum Does NOT Include
It's equally important to say what's missing from these numbers. Not included:
- Irrigation and fertigation system — we're still waiting for final quotes, but this will be a major budget item
- Water reservoir — the water source for irrigation, a project in itself
- Electrical grid connection — connecting the plantation to the power network and on-site electrical infrastructure
- Initial land scarification and preparation
- Water well drilling (for which we already have the permit quote)
- Other operational costs — access roads, storage, monitoring
In other words, €170,000 is just the foundation. The total investment will be considerably higher.
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Why We're Publishing These Numbers
We know many of you follow this project precisely because you want to see real numbers. And rightly so. One of the biggest frustrations when searching for information about blueberry plantations in Romania is the lack of transparency around costs.
You find articles that say "the investment ranges between €20,000 and €100,000 per hectare." But what does that actually mean? What's included? What's missing? What quality of materials are they referring to?
We want to do things differently. Every number we publish is real, current, and verifiable. We don't round down to make it look easier, and we don't hide costs to avoid scaring anyone.
If you want to start a blueberry plantation, you need to know from the very beginning what you're getting into. And we're here to show you exactly that.
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What We've Learned About Costs So Far
A few important lessons from this process:
Peat dominates the budget. We knew it would be the main cost, but when you see the actual figure on paper, you truly grasp its weight. Anyone planning a blueberry plantation should start their calculations from peat — everything else is built around that number.
Quality costs, but false savings cost more. We were tempted to look for cheaper alternatives for plants or peat. But every conversation with experienced growers confirmed the same thing: with blueberries, you don't cut corners on the foundation.
Prices move. Between the time we requested our first quote and the time we received the latest figures, some prices had already changed. The peat market is volatile, and seasonality affects everything. Those who delay risk paying more.
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What's Next
We're continuing to gather quotes for the remaining components: the irrigation and fertigation system, the water reservoir, the electrical connection, and all other necessary elements.
Once we have all the numbers on the table, we'll publish an article with the full estimated plantation budget — broken down by category, with explanations of what we chose, why, and what alternatives existed.
Until then, remember today's number: €170,000 — for peat, plants, rows, and fencing. The foundation on which we're building everything.
Stay close. The big numbers are still to come. 🫐
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