Blueberry season set to start

Growers say crop yield is looking good

Nova Scotia’s own super fruit is nearly ready.

Local blueberry harvesters John Cameron and Jim Wood say picking could start anytime next week.

“The yield looks good this year,” said Wood, about his crop located in Eden Lake.

Cameron, who owns fields in East River Saint Mary’s, agrees.

“It’s kind of variable from field to field, but it seems good across the board,” said Cameron. He said he’s aiming to start picking on Aug. 15, depending on what the weather does in the coming days.

It appears to be doing exactly what they want, said Wood. While the dry weather hasn’t been a massive hindrance in the progress, Cameron said they could have used some more rain before picking, and that appears to be just what’s happening.

Wood said the rain over the weekend was just what was needed for his berries to finish ripening up.

Both men agree that selling their product will likely be the biggest difficulty.

“Price is a mounting concern,” said Wood.

As for why, it goes back to supply and demand. Wood says they won’t know for sure until the berries are all picked, but they’re likely growing more than what will sell.

“There’s a little bit of an oversupply, but we still have a great product and a great health history,” said Cameron. “Everything considered the berries are in excellent shape.”