From Wet to Dry: Chile’s Blackberries Face Growing Climate Pressures
Chile’s blackberry harvest is facing mounting challenges as shifting weather patterns disrupt this vital crop, which represents a significant 8.9% of the country’s fruit exports. This year’s blackberry harvest in Chile has been shaped by erratic weather conditions, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on agriculture. The past six months have seen a precarious balance between excessive rainfall and creeping drought conditions, with temperature fluctuations adding another layer of complexity to the situation. These patterns are not just abstract risks—they directly affect blackberry yields, harvest timelines, and post-harvest handling, challenging producers and supply chain stakeholders alike.
The weighted climate risk for Blackberries in Chile for the past 6 months: This elevated risk trend is particularly concerning for blackberries, which are sensitive to shifts in moisture and temperature during their growing and harvesting phases. The increasing frequency of extreme weather days has made it harder for producers to predict and plan for optimal harvest periods.
In the early months of the season, growers in the south of Chile faced prolonged wet conditions, which threatened crop quality by increasing the risk of fungal diseases and waterlogging. As the season progressed, the weather shifted toward drier conditions, creating significant stress on the crop. The “Seasonal Climate Risk” ratings for southern regions reflect this struggle, with poor ratings and forecasted peak risks as high as 100% in some areas. In contrast, growers in the central regions of Chile have fared significantly better, with a good seasonal risk rating and forecasted peak risk at just 0%. The difference underscores the importance of understanding regional variations when planning supply chains, particularly for companies sourcing from multiple areas within the country.
Average percent of risk days by the type of risk for blackberries in Chile.
Looking ahead, predictions for the final months of the year show a worrisome amount of “too dry”, indicating drought. According to the “Risk Days by Type of Risk” graph above, the months of July through October were particularly risky. While wet conditions dominated from July to September, a gradual rise in dry conditions emerged in November and is forecasted to intensify through December. Dry weather can accelerate ripening, shortening the harvesting window. These conditions are compounded by the logistical challenges of preserving blackberries—a notoriously fragile fruit with a short shelf life. Without sufficient investment in cooling technologies and efficient transportation, losses are almost inevitable, adding to the financial burden on growers.
The challenges extend beyond the fields. Chile is a key exporter of blackberries, and disruptions in its harvest have global implications. Lower yields and potential quality issues could limit supply to international markets, leading to higher prices for both fresh and processed blackberry products. For consumers, this might mean higher costs for everyday items like jams, juices, and frozen blackberries. For retailers, it creates a ripple effect through their supply chains, demanding quicker adaptations and cost negotiations.
The blackberry harvest in Chile highlights the urgent need for procurement leaders to adopt data-driven solutions that anticipate climate risks and their impacts on supply chains. With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, traditional methods of forecasting and sourcing are insufficient. Tools like Helios AI’s platform enable early identification of disruptions, informed decision-making, and long-term planning by quantifying risks such as heat and drought. By proactively leveraging analytics, procurement teams can build resilience, secure supply chains, and navigate the challenges posed by climate change in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
