The outlook for this year's Nova Scotia peach crop is cautiously promising. "We got through bloom successfully and after having no crop last year, everyone is feeling hopeful for the season ahead," says Emily Lutz, executive director for the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association adding that the province is anticipating an average-sized crop this season.
In 2023, Nova Scotia saw extreme fluctuations over the winter. Following a mild winter which impacted the cold hardiness of the trees, a cold snap hit in February of 2023 plunging temperatures down to -26 to -29 degrees Celsius. In turn, when the middle of May hit that year, which is the bloom season, there were some buds formed on the tree that were dead inside. Reports from growers indicate some trees are still feeling the effects of the polar vortex over a year later.
However, this year's bloom was successful and peaches (along with apples) saw an earlier bloom by about a week. "It's been a regular Maritime spring, meaning it's all over the place. It's cold this week but it was unseasonably warm a few weeks ago," says Lutz. "However it's nothing out of the ordinary."
"We got through bloom successfully and after having no crop last year, everyone is feeling hopeful for the season ahead," says Emily Lutz.
August harvest
As for the harvest of Nova Scotia peaches, that should begin in early to mid-August. "A lot can change between now and then and it will depend on how the season plays out," says Lutz, noting that in stone fruit, peaches are the most significant item that Nova Scotia produces commercially in the category. "Peaches are an item that farmers have looked to as a way to extend their season away from apples, which account for 95 percent of tree fruit production in Nova Scotia."
Harvest of Nova Scotia peaches generally finishes by the first week of September.
Given last year's lack of crop, Lutz anticipates there will be some pent-up demand for local peaches. "We're already getting questions from people asking about the crop and people are already making plans as to what their peach season will look like this summer. So we'll have no problem moving them," she says, adding that the fruit is shipped largely within Nova Scotia.
Pricing is anticipated to be good for the growers this year and on par with historical pricing, if not slightly higher due to the strong demand anticipated.
For more information:
Emily Lutz
Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association
Tel: +1 (902) 678-1093
[email protected]
http://www.nsfga.com