In Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), tree-fruit growers are optimistic about the harvest season, thanks to a summer of warm, sunny weather and adequate rainfall. However, the aftermath of post-tropical storm Fiona still poses concerns, along with the threat of future weather events potentially impacting this year's yield. Geoff Boyle, manager of The Grove Orchard and U-Pick in Warren Grove, P.E.I., reports an exceptional crop, attributing success to the season's favorable weather conditions. Despite the need for slightly more rain, the orchard's drip irrigation system has supported the growth of a diverse range of apples and pears, alongside apple cider production.
Yet, the damage from Fiona lingers, with the orchard having to replace 3,000 trees—a process expected to take five years before full productivity resumes. In response, The Grove has reinforced its trellis system to better withstand future storms, though challenges remain, such as occasional broken wires due to stress from Fiona. As the second anniversary of the storm approaches, there's a cautious watch on the weather, alongside concerns over fluctuating market prices, notably for the Honeycrisp apple variety, which experienced a significant drop last season due to market saturation by competitors.
Similarly, Riverdale Orchard and Cidery is witnessing a recovery, with co-owner Alex Jamieson noting an improvement in the apple crop compared to the previous year, though the orchard still reels from the loss of 300 mature trees to Fiona. The shortage forced the purchase of apples from other orchards to sustain cider production. Despite these adversities, both operations are exploring new avenues and technologies to enhance their products and resilience against future challenges.
Source: CBC