The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA) says the peat moss industry is facing one of its poorest harvest seasons on record. According to Paul Short, CSPMA president, the Canadian peat harvest at the end of August was only at 43 per cent of production capacity. “The inevitable result will likely be a shortage of professional grower peat,” says Short.

The CSPMA says that abnormal and persistently wet conditions throughout all Canadian peat regions severely hindered harvesting. Eastern Canada was hit the hardest. New Brunswick and Quebec account for 66 per cent of  Canada’s peat production.
 

Minimize impact

“The peat industry is committed to working co-operatively with its commercial business partners to minimize the short and long term impacts for the horticulture industry,” said Short. When asked by Horticulture Review what plans were in place to minimize the impacts, Short responded, “There are no specific industry-based programs in place or contemplated. The statement was made to reflect the intent by each of the member companies to work with their counterparts to meet the specific concerns of their customers.”

Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association’s members represent 95 per cent of North American peat production.