In Nova Scotia, strawberry farmers are preparing for the upcoming harvest, with expectations set around 10 days for the commencement of picking. The local market is poised for a shift as these farmers, according to William Spurr, a farmer from the region, may soon find themselves in competition with imported strawberries, a scenario highlighted as uncommon by Sylvain Charlebois, who leads the analytics lab at Dalhousie University.
The influx of imported strawberries, particularly from California, is attributed to an overproduction in the American state, leading to an export value surpassing $60 million, with a significant portion directed towards the Canadian market. This surge in supply is likely to drive down prices, potentially influencing consumer choices towards these more affordable options amidst rising food inflation concerns.
Spurr, who cultivates strawberries over two acres and has recently expanded, emphasizes the freshness and flavor of locally grown berries as their distinctive advantage. Despite the looming competition, the practice of harvesting fully ripened berries on local farms stands in contrast to the imported ones, which are not picked at full ripeness, affecting their flavor profile, as noted by Spurr, who also serves as the president of Horticulture Nova Scotia.
Source: atlantic.ctvnews.ca
