Cranberry Crop Report 08.10.24
The cranberry harvest in 2024 is shaping up to be promising after a challenging 2023 season, which was impacted by climatic difficulties and new pest infestations. As harvesting begins for some early varieties, the outlook remains optimistic.
Canada
Thanks to the biennial nature of cranberries, many farms are expecting a more abundant harvest, with some even anticipating above-average yields. While a record-breaking harvest like 2022 isn't expected, the hot and humid summer has contributed to larger fruit sizes, and colour development is ahead of last year’s pace. In 2023, adverse conditions had a significant impact on the harvest, but the situation appears much improved this year.
The organic sector, however, continues to face challenges. A strong presence of pests is complicating production and negatively affecting yields. Despite efforts to mitigate these issues, organic cranberry farmers are still dealing with significant difficulties. In New Brunswick, where weather conditions have been similar to those in Quebec, an above-average harvest is also projected, surpassing 2023 results.
United States
In Wisconsin, despite a tough winter that made it difficult to protect fields, the flowering and pollination stages went well. Most farms expect a solid harvest, with only some isolated damage. Overall, yields are anticipated to surpass the averages of recent years, though they may not exceed last year’s harvest. In Massachusetts, a favourable harvest is also forecast. While the high heat and humidity posed some challenges for certain farms, the general outlook remains positive.
Overall, cranberry inventories are well-balanced. Recent harvests have maintained stable stock levels, keeping up with growing demand. Forecasts for 2024 suggest that supply should be sufficient to meet the needs of both consumers and processing industries. We recommend reaching out to buyers early to discuss opportunities and available volumes for the upcoming year.
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