WBPANS sent out an update regarding the challenges we are facing in this harvest season. We want to make sure all growers receive this message:
If growers have not started harvesting, they should strongly consider it, immediately.
Crop and lack of moisture:
We are seeing crops down across the province, with a few limited exceptions. The hot dry conditions are resulting in small fruit that is not weighing well in the tote. Some fields, on course soils have gone past recovery with leaves turning red and fruit shattering. We are seeing yields regressing daily everywhere. If growers have not started harvesting, they should strongly consider it, immediately. While there are a few fields that are yielding well, most fields are ranging from 30% down to not being worth harvesting (not enough fruit to cover harvest costs).
Maine, NB and PEI are all experiencing the same things, with varying degrees of severity.
Maine is having a poor crop overall
NB is very dry and has some severe harvesting restrictions
PEI has just begun harvest over the last week, but yields are lower than expected.
Quebec still has a decent crop, but it appears to be slightly below an average crop for them.
The total wild blueberry crop will be much less than expected. We were expecting a crop over 300 million pounds. The total crop will be well less than 300 million.
Caution while harvesting
Things are tinder dry, please take all reasonable precautions. If a major fire starts in one of our production regions, risk to property and life is high.
Government discussions:
WBPANS has been in discussion with NSDA. We will be meeting with them regularly looking for ways to support the industry through this. There are no firm solutions yet but we will be working with our federal and provincial partners.
Markets appear healthy
It appears demand in Europe is high and solid in other markets as well.
Price
We are expecting to hear about an initial price from our within the next couple days.
Reach out
If there are any questions, please reach out.
The Debert office is closed this week, but I can be reached via my cell phone or email.
Peter Burgess
Peter Burgess MSc, PAg
Executive Director
Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia
PO Box 119 168 Dakota Road
Debert, Nova Scotia B0M 1G0
Cell: 902-899-6253
Tel: 902-662-3306
Email: peter@nswildblueberries.com