Nova Scotia Blueberry Industry Faces Crisis Amid Drought

The blueberry industry in Nova Scotia is facing significant challenges due to a severe drought that has affected crop quality across the region. This multi-million-dollar export business relies heavily on regular rainfall, which helps maintain the quality of blueberries, composed of approximately 85 to 90 percent water. Without sufficient rain this year, the current crops are deemed unsalvageable.

According to David Percival, director of the Wild Blueberry Research Centre, the impact of climate change has made it clear that the industry can no longer depend solely on natural rainfall. Percival highlighted the difficulties in implementing irrigation systems, stating, “The challenge that you get into when you are trying to bring in an irrigation system is first it is very costly to bring in a system, and secondly where are you going to find the water.”

The soils in Nova Scotia, particularly in the northern part of the province, are not ideal for agriculture as they do not retain much water. As a result, blueberry farmers across the province are grappling with adverse conditions. The drought has disproportionately affected crops in northern Nova Scotia, where farmers have reported severe losses.

With the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, the future of the blueberry industry in this region hangs in the balance. Farmers are exploring options for irrigation, but the high costs and logistical challenges make it a daunting task. The industry’s reliance on traditional farming methods is being tested as environmental conditions continue to evolve.

The situation underscores a broader issue faced by agricultural sectors worldwide, where changing weather patterns threaten livelihoods and food supplies. As Nova Scotia’s blueberry industry navigates this crisis, the lessons learned may have implications for similar agricultural businesses facing climate-related challenges.