British Columbia's 700 blueberry growers are gearing up to start harvesting fruit in the first week of July, which will be about four weeks later than the season commencement last year. 

In a release, the BC Blueberry Council said it had been a colder, wetter year than the past two seasons in 2017.

"Compared to the last couple of years, it might seem like the B.C. blueberry season is starting late this year. But what we’re expecting in 2017 is actually more in line with the timing of what a ‘normal’ harvest would be," said council board chair Nancy Chong.

"While picking will start later than last year, a good supply of high-quality blueberries is expected with the season stretching through until mid-September."

The council said much colder temperatures and wetter winter conditions had led to more work in the fields for growers, making it harder to get out in the orchards to take care of tasks like pruning.

"Last October and November were a bit warmer than usual, but a lot wetter than average, and then in December, we experienced a drastic drop in temperature and high winds," Chong said.

"All of these weather conditions resulted in follow-on effects through the winter and spring."

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