Research Unveils Climate Threat to B.C. Cranberry Crops

Cranberry crops in British Columbia face significant threats from climate change, according to recent research from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Funded by the B.C. Cranberry Growers Association, the study conducted in the university’s BERRI Lab highlights that warmer temperatures are likely to lead to reduced yields in cranberry production.

Under the guidance of Dr. Lauren Erland, a Canada Research Chair, student Yowana Kanyumwa investigated the effects of temperature on six different cranberry varieties. Using a controlled growing environment that simulated a temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius, Kanyumwa found that all varieties produced significantly lower yields under these conditions. This outcome supports earlier computer modeling conducted by Dr. Erland in 2022.

Kanyumwa noted, “My research also showed that higher temperatures impacted the size of the cranberry plants. The good news is that the weight and firmness of the berries didn’t see much impact at all.” This finding suggests potential avenues for growers to explore resilient varieties that may withstand changing climatic conditions.

In Canada, cranberries are a significant agricultural product, with the country ranking as the world’s second-largest producer, following the United States. According to a report from Agriculture Canada, approximately 95 percent of Canadian cranberries are cultivated in B.C. and Quebec, with B.C. alone producing 45,988 metric tonnes in 2024. The cranberry industry is crucial to the region’s economy, contributing over $400 million and supporting nearly 3,000 jobs, primarily in rural areas.

The research from UFV does not only highlight the problem but also paves the way for solutions. Kanyumwa’s study will lead to further investigations into the physiological and hormonal responses of cranberry plants to higher temperatures. Dr. Erland explained, “Is there less fruit because the plants are making fewer flowers? Or are there the same number of flowers but they’re not turning into fruit? And what are the internal signals in a plant that are controlling this?”

Understanding these factors may allow researchers to recommend climate-resilient cranberry varieties, field management practices, or even develop new cranberry plants better adapted to warmer temperatures.

The BERRI Lab’s research initiative actively involves undergraduate students from various disciplines, including agriculture, biology, biochemistry, and environmental science. For Kanyumwa, who moved to Canada from Zimbabwe three years ago with little knowledge of cranberries, this project has been transformative. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve always liked being in the field, which is why I picked agriculture, but one of my main goals was to learn how to work in the lab.”

Kanyumwa’s experience reflects a broader educational opportunity provided by the lab, which aims to engage students in practical research. She added, “This project provided the whole research experience, and I discovered that I like the laboratory. I looked forward to getting in there to do the work, and it’s something I would now consider doing as part of a future career.”

As climate challenges continue to emerge, the findings from UFV serve as a critical reminder of the impact of changing weather patterns on important agricultural sectors. With ongoing research, there is potential for innovation that can safeguard the future of cranberry farming in British Columbia and beyond.