Blueberry growers facing adjustments

To the editor, Re: Anticipated lower prices for blueberries a stain on producers’ bottom line (Sept. 1/16).

The major slump in blueberry prices is certainly due to supply increases exceeding global demand. Nevertheless, the blow to Maritime growers has been worsened by the absence of processor competition in the region. Canadian competition law and the failure of growers to organize and collectively negotiate are at fault.

Consider that growers would be in a better financial situation today if the prices paid for the last three crops had reflected the depreciation of the Canadian dollar. Most exporting industries are benefiting from the exchange rate. This includes the Maritime blueberry industry at the processing level but not at the grower level.

The bottom line result of the loonie’s fall has actually been negative for growers, as the costs for some farm purchases have increased with the value of the US dollar in Canadian funds.

Nova Scotia growers did not fully participate in the worldwide blueberry expansion of the last decade or so. Sadly it appears they will now play an oversized role in the market adjustments underway such as in regard to abandoned acreage.

David Robinson Price Analyst & Publisher Acadia Blueberry Price Report