HALIFAX — A severe lack of rainfall and dry weather conditions have put the blueberry industry in Nova Scotia in a state of crisis. The absence of rain has significantly affected the quality of the wild blueberries, which are composed of up to 90 percent water.
David Percival, director of the Wild Blueberry Research Centre, stated that consistent rain during the season is crucial for maintaining the quality of the crop. However, he added that due to climate change, the industry can no longer rely solely on rain. While an irrigation system is an alternative, he noted that its implementation is both expensive and challenging because the soil in the province is not well-suited for retaining water.
The drought has hit farms in Northern Nova Scotia the hardest, but farmers throughout the province are facing similar challenges.
