Shortages of Canadian peat possible
13 Oct, 2008 LM Direct!The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA), whose members represent 95% of the North American peat production, is concerned with the level of harvest for the 2008 season.
According to Paul Short, CSPMA President, the Canadian peat harvest, at the end of August is only at 43% and carry-over inventory at 17%. This is a record low of 60% in comparison to the last 5 year average of 75%. The inevitable result will likely be a shortage of professional grower peat.
Abnormal and persistently wet conditions throughout all Canadian peat harvest regions have impacted the ability of the industry to harvest expected volumes. The area most hard hit is Eastern Canada, with New Brunswick and Quebec accounting for 66 % of all of Canada's peat production. The outcome is that the peat moss industry is facing one of its poorest peat harvest seasons on record.
The peat industry is committed to working cooperatively with its commercial business partners to minimize the short and long term impacts for the horticulture industry.
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