Winter frost cuts Latvia's blueberry harvest by up to 80% on some farms
A harsh winter with prolonged frost has damaged blueberry bushes on several Latvian farms, cutting planned yields by as much as 80% in places, though other regions like Vidzeme fared better. Growers also cite labor shortages and competition from Poland.
This year's blueberry harvest has dropped sharply on some Latvian farms after prolonged winter frost damaged the bushes, while other farms report yields holding at last year's level, growers told the LETA news agency.
Māra Rudzāte, head of the Latvian Fruit Growers Association and a representative of the company Arosa-R, said the past winter was especially harsh for her farm, with many bushes freezing — a situation similar to 2023. Harvesting even 20% of the planned volume would count as a good result this year. On her farm, a hectare planned to yield five tonnes of berries may now produce just one tonne at best. She noted conditions vary by region, with milder weather in Vidzeme leaving yields there in relatively better shape.
Labor shortage
Rudzāte also pointed to a serious shortage of workers during harvest, since blueberry picking cannot be fully mechanized. Farms struggle both to bring in foreign labor and to attract local pickers, whose interest has notably declined in recent years. Although blueberry prices are somewhat higher this year, Latvian growers cannot fully capitalize on it because Poland is having a strong harvest, with more favorable climate conditions and easier access to seasonal foreign workers.
The picture differs at the Strēlnieki farm, whose owner Jānis Bierands said this winter's frost did not significantly affect his bushes, and this year's yield matches last year's, which he called good. Labor has been sufficient, partly thanks to self-picking customers.
Meanwhile Ērika Mežule, co-owner of Rudzo's Staiceles krūmmellenes farm, estimated her harvest could be around 40% smaller than last year, though a final assessment will only be possible in late August. Frost-damaged branches partially recovered over summer. Her farm has not faced labor shortages, but self-picking won't be offered this year since the berries are barely enough for client deliveries.
The Latvian Fruit Growers Association brings together more than 400 active fruit growers and represents their interests in agricultural policy.
