Recommendations to
BC Blueberry Industry
As climate change intensifies, rising temperatures pose increasing challenges to blueberry production, affecting both yield and fruit quality. To support the industry’s adaptation, both growers and policy makers must consider practical mitigation strategies and long-term investments.
To Farmers:
Farmers are encouraged to adopt micro-sprinkler systems and low-tech greenhouses as pre-harvest strategies to reduce heat damage in blueberries. Micro-sprinklers provide effective cooling with low water use, while low-tech greenhouses offer moderate environmental control and are more affordable than high-tech options. For post-harvest protection, reflective tarps present a cost-effective and adaptable method to shield berries from sun exposure, helping preserve fruit quality during transport and storage.
To Policy Makers:
Policy makers are recommended to invest more resources in targeted research and financial support to help growers adapt to rising temperatures. Priorities include funding studies on under-researched areas like soil heat response and creating incentives for farmers to implement climate mitigation infrastructure. These measures are essential to build long-term resilience in British Columbia’s blueberry sector.