Västerbotten is facing potential risks to this year's blueberry harvest due to unusual weather patterns, according to a report from SVT Västerbotten. The region has experienced a snow-poor winter with spring arriving approximately one month earlier than normal.
Researcher Anne-Maarit Hekkala from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå warns that two risk factors could lead to a poor blueberry season. Without an insulating snow cover, last year's blueberry shoots could die from frost damage if cold periods occur in late March or April. Additionally, if blueberries bloom early in May, there's a risk that the flowers could be damaged by frost.
If that happens, we won't get any blueberries this year
"If that happens, we won't get any blueberries this year," Hekkala stated.
The concern follows last year's below-normal blueberry harvest, during which berry picker Kodchanipha Lindblom from Umeå reported having to travel long distances to find blueberries. Blueberry plants typically recover well from damage, but it takes time before new shoots produce berries, potentially affecting this year's harvest even if plants survive.