HALIFAX – Farmers across Nova Scotia are preparing for a critical new planting and harvest season, following a devastating 2025 drought that officials described as the most severe weather event to hit the province in 50 years. The Department of Agriculture noted that the prolonged dry spell significantly crippled the production of staple crops, particularly apples, carrots, and wild blueberries.
The 2025 season saw the southwestern part of the province experience a one-in-50-year drought, with some areas receiving less than 40% of their normal precipitation. Apple growers reported shriveled, unmarketable fruit, while the wild blueberry harvest plunged by an estimated 55%. The financial strain forced many producers to seek government assistance to recover their losses and prepare for the 2026 cycle.
However, recent long-term weather forecasts have provided a much-needed sense of relief. Meteorologists predict that the province will receive above-average rainfall between May and July. While concerns remain regarding how the extreme dryness of the previous year has impacted soil health and long-term tree vitality, the shift toward a wetter pattern is being hailed as a vital lifeline for the agricultural community.
In preparation for the coming months, farmers have proactively upgraded their infrastructure, clearing irrigation ponds and implementing advanced water management systems to mitigate future climate risks. With a steady snowmelt already helping to recharge groundwater supplies, Nova Scotia’s agricultural sector is cautiously optimistic that timely rains and moderate temperatures will lead to a successful and resilient harvest this year.
