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Nova Scotia strawberry producers need sweeter deal

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Nova Scotia strawberry producers need sweeter deal
Strawberry farmers in Nova Scotia are facing sharp increases in production costs. But the retailers they supply are reluctant to increase the price they pay farmers for the product.

July 4, 2008, Wilmot, N.S. – Strawberry farmers in Nova Scotia are facing sharp increases in production costs.

But the retailers they supply are reluctant to increase the price they pay farmers for the product.

Annapolis Valley strawberry farmer Lloyd Evans said labour costs, the price of fuel and fertilizer have all increased in the last year.

But major retailers are telling farmers they’re not willing to pay much more than the $2.25 a quart they’re currently paying.

Evans said there are a lot of good-quality strawberries for sale this season but consumers have been resistant to high prices for early strawberries.

He said prices at stores and roadside stands are falling each week, benefitting customers but making it difficult for farmers to recover their costs.