September 20, 2023
2022 has proven to be a landmark year in terms of harvests for Quebec. With a record harvest last autumn, we can hardly expect the same result this year.
In Canada
The extremely changeable climate led to significant yield reductions. The winter, although fairly mild for the first few months, left a snow cover well above average, causing damage to many fields. For the summer season, July was a difficult month; it was the rainiest month in the last twenty years, but also had the hottest nights. This weather cocktail has taken its toll, and we anticipate a reduction in both organic and conventional yields.
The weather also made it difficult to control the cranberry leafroller, which had a significant impact on the organic sector.
In addition to the difficult climate, growers in the Centre-du-Québec region, representing more than 80% of the province's production, had to contend with new pests observed on most farms. The impacts varied from farm to farm, but some suffered significant losses. These same pests will now be monitored and studied to prevent these consequences.
In New Brunswick, conditions were similar to those in Quebec, with fewer spring frosts. As a result, the province's performance should be better than Quebec's, but lower than last year.
In the United States
In Massachusetts, the region saw a record number of frost protection events. Obviously, this delayed the growing season and affected yields on some farms. Abundant rainfall has not been a problem this year, which means that the harvest is likely to be normal, albeit slightly smaller than last year.
To conclude the review by region, the world's largest cranberry producer, Wisconsin, is set to enjoy its best season in five years. This is good news for the state, given that harvests over the past four years have been below normal levels. Even so, 2023 will not be a record year in the wake of the inconsistent spring. As soon as the thaw began, the region's high temperatures quickly awakened the plants, but subsequently, an intense frost set in and damaged several fields. Since this event, the weather has been kinder to the plants, with dry, sunny conditions. However, this drought is worrying some growers, who fear that they will not have the water they need to harvest their crops.
Overall, we estimate the total harvest to be slightly smaller than last year. We invite you to confirm your orders now with our team.
Questions? Please contact our sales team.
It’s the simple everyday things that make our berries so tender, tasty, healthy and give them the perfect texture. Each parcel of land we farm with care and respect. Each weed we pull by hand. Each extra day we wait to ensure crops are harvested at peak ripeness. Each minute saved between field and freezer. Each berry perfectly preserved. Each unwanted substance detected and eliminated. And each delicious bite our customers enjoy.
