Nova Scotian Blueberry -Industry touched by lack of rain

Challenges Facing the Multi-Million Dollar Blueberry Industry
This year, the multi-million dollar blueberry industry is facing significant challenges due to dry conditions and a lack of rain. The quality of this year’s crops has been severely impacted by the persistent drought.
David Percival, director of the Wild Blueberry Research Center, highlighted the effects of the drought on this year’s harvest. He mentioned that the plants struggled during the flowering period, resulting in smaller berries with a raisin-like appearance.
Blueberries are predominantly water, and regular rainfall is crucial for maintaining their quality. However, with climate change altering weather patterns, the industry can no longer rely on natural rainfall. Percival pointed out the difficulties of implementing irrigation systems, citing both the high cost and the scarcity of water in the region.
This year’s drought has been described as the worst in 30 years by Percival. The northern part of the province has been hit the hardest, with Nova Scotia, East Newfoundland, Southeast New Brunswick, and parts of Prince Edward Island experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions.
Impact on Regional Agriculture
The lack of rainfall has posed challenges for farmers in Nova Scotia, with Halifax receiving only 60% of its normal rainfall levels from April to July. The federal agency for agriculture in Canada noted that Halifax has implemented voluntary water conservation measures, while smaller municipalities in North Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley have resorted to mandatory restrictions due to low reservoir levels.
As the blueberry industry grapples with the repercussions of this year’s drought, farmers and researchers are exploring sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on crop production.
Adapted from: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/stories/unleashing-potential-wild-blueberries