Strawberry u-picks may be open for fewer weeks, or not at all, this year, as producers navigate a slow start to the season. Webster Farms manager and Horticulture Nova Scotia president Jordan Eyamie says this season has been difficult. “It’s going to be a short and sweet season. I suppose you could say,” said Eyamie. That’s because a cool and dry spring didn’t help the harvest. “We usually have about a five-week season, maybe six weeks if you have early, early berries, and late, late berries. Ours here is probably going to be about three-and-a-half because we have mid-to-late berries,” said Eyamie. The late start also affected the fruit’s growth and, as a result, the berries didn’t get the early boost they needed. “I would say the strawberries are smaller because of that drought we had in the fall and you’ll also see inconsistent. So, you’ll have the big ones in with the little ones,” she said. Eyamie also grows green beans, which are behind schedule as well. “Most crops I would say were delayed getting planted so that means they’ll be a delay in harvest time,” she said. It’s not all bad news down on the farm. Strawberries are on their way out, but raspberries are making an early appearance. “We’re going to move right into raspberries and so it won’t affect our labour, and we will have raspberries up until September 15,” Eyamie says. “I would say, since we’re probably one of the last people, you’ll probably see berries for another week, strawberries, local strawberries.” The province’s strawberry industry generates almost $20 million dollars a year. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
