Assessing the Impact of Rising Temperature on Blueberry Production: Evaluating the Adaptability of Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies in British Columbia, Canada

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British Columbia is a leading producer of highbush blueberries in Canada, contributing significantly to both the domestic agricultural economy and the international fruit market. However, the effects of climate change, most notably rising temperatures, pose increasing threats to the sustainability, productivity, and quality of blueberry cultivation in the province. This report examined the physiological, ecological, and economic impacts of extreme heat on blueberry production and evaluated a range of mitigation and adaptation strategies, with a focus on practical implementation for BC growers. Highbush blueberries are especially sensitive to heat stress throughout their development stages. From dormancy and bud break in late winter to flowering, fruit set, and ripening in the summer, elevated temperatures can disrupt plant physiology and negatively affect fruit yield and quality. Specific impacts include premature de-acclimation, reduced pollen viability, shortened pollination windows, softening and shriveling of berries, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Late-season heat further complicates farm operations by compressing harvest windows and increasing post-harvest decay risk