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Prolonged drought stunts the renowned wild blueberry crop in the Maritimes
Wild blueberry growers face a 70% drop in yield due to drought and wildfires, with harvest delays and financial losses reported amid climate challenges, industry officials say.
- This year, a prolonged drought across Atlantic Canada struck wild blueberry growers in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, while provincial governments temporarily halted harvests to manage wildfires.
- Hot, dry weather and higher-than-average overnight temperatures reduced yields by 55 per cent to about 20 million pounds, industry said this year.
- Wild blueberry exports generated $121 million for Nova Scotia and contributed $81 million to New Brunswick's economy, while lowbush blueberries earned Canada $313 million in 2024.
- Some of the province's 175 wild blueberry farmers are considering selling land and seeking financial compensation from the province's Liberal government as prices rise but fail to cover costs.
- Industry leaders warned the drought is likely to recur as climate change continues, and Arseneault said the industry is preparing data and seeking talks with provincial governments this year.
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Total News Sources8
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 25%
12%
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