N.B. blueberry growers say $21M losses dwarf aid plan
New Brunswick’s wild blueberry industry says this year’s losses are far greater than the province’s new compensation program.
Farmers lost more than 43 million pounds of blueberries in 2025, with industry losses estimated at $21.6 million, according to a report prepared for NB Blueberries by consulting firm Stiletto.
The average farm shortfall was about $157,000.
The provincial government announced $1.5 million in support for Crown land leaseholders who were unable to harvest during August’s wildfire‑related closures.
The program offers $145 per acre, up to $100,000 per producer.
Don Arseneault, general manager of NB Blueberries, said the recognition is welcome, but the program leaves out many growers.
“The fact that they talked about the industry and they provided some formal financial assistance, you know, I have to give them credit, but that, you know, obviously it doesn’t meet the challenge that we’re facing,” he said.
Arseneault noted that private land producers were also affected, particularly those who could not access their fields because of Crown land restrictions.
He said the industry was not consulted before the program was announced, unlike in Nova Scotia, where producers were involved in wildfire policy decisions.
He added that the sector’s two‑year growing cycle means the damage will carry into next year. “The damage I was done this year will probably have an impact next year as well,” Arseneault said.
NB Blueberries is calling on the provincial government to work with Ottawa on an AgriRecovery program, similar to initiatives offered for potato growers in past years.
Arseneault said long‑term reforms to crop insurance and risk‑management programs are also needed to better fit the realities of wild blueberry production.
The Stiletto report found the industry’s downturn also reduced provincial GDP by more than $20 million and cut tax revenue by about $3 million, underscoring the wider impact on rural communities and processors.
