Blueberry and Cranberry Crop Report 22.10.24
Blueberries
After two years of exceptional blueberry harvests in Quebec, the 2024 crop has fallen short of expectations.
In Canada, a less snowy winter and cooler night temperatures last spring impacted some fields, though overall yields have not significantly declined, and the quality of the fruit remains high. However, Nova Scotia and the Maritimes are facing a more challenging situation. A lack of rainfall has caused drought conditions in some areas, limiting berry growth. Yields in these regions are projected to drop by at least 40%.
In Maine, the largest blueberry-producing state in the U.S., the harvest has also been significantly lower than expected. Droughts in July and August likely caused water stress, affecting the size, quality, and quantity of the crop.
Overall, the North American wild blueberry harvest is expected to be smaller than average. With demand on the rise, we advise securing your orders for the upcoming year as early as possible.
Cranberries
The outlook for the 2024 cranberry harvest is promising, following a challenging 2023 season marked by weather-related issues and new pest infestations. As early varieties begin harvesting, the forecast remains positive.
Due to the biennial nature of cranberries, many Canadian farms expect a more abundant harvest, with some predicting above-average yields. While a record-breaking harvest like 2022 is not anticipated, the hot, humid summer has promoted larger fruit growth, and colouration appears more advanced compared to last year when weather challenges impacted the crop.
The organic cranberry sector faces continued difficulties this year, with pest infestations posing significant problems and negatively affecting yields. Despite learning from previous seasons, producers in this sector are still grappling with these issues. In New Brunswick, where weather conditions mirror those in Quebec, an above-average harvest is expected, outperforming 2023’s results.
In Wisconsin, despite a harsh winter that complicated field protection, flowering and pollination have gone well. Most farms are anticipating a strong harvest, with only isolated damage. This year's yield is expected to exceed recent averages, though not surpassing last year's levels. In Massachusetts, the outlook is similarly positive, despite some challenges posed by the heat and humidity. Overall, a good harvest is expected in this region as well.
Cranberry inventories are stable, with recent harvests maintaining balanced stock levels to meet rising market demand. The 2024 forecasts suggest that inventories will remain sufficient to meet both consumer and processing industry needs.
via Fruit d'Or