Review of 2025 fruit land values: Analysis and trends

Building on our 2025 Farmland Values Report, this analysis explores trends in fruit land values across blueberry farms, apple orchards, cherry, and vineyards (Table 1). These values are influenced by shifts in market demand and climatic events, underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry. Other fruit-producing provinces are excluded from Table 1 due to limited sales activity.

Table 1: FCC reference Value per acre for Orchards, Blueberries and Vineyards

*The value range represents 90% of the sales in each area and excludes the top and bottom 5%

Source: FCC

Canadian fruit sales rose by 16.8% to $1.6 billion in 2025, while production of major fruits showed mixed results. Total fruit production remained relatively stable, as increases in some crops were offset by weather-related declines in others. Overall, production of blueberries and apples decreased while cherry and grape production increased. Prices of cherries fell sharply due to an exceptional harvest entering the market (Figure 1). The opposite is true for wild blueberries.

Figure 1: Canadian average prices per kilogram for apples, highbush and lowbush blueberries, grapes and cherries

Sources: Statistic Canada and FCC

Nationwide, production trends for Canada's major fruits were mixed in 2025. The harvested area reflects a return to normal levels. In contrast, total fruit production in the Atlantic provinces declined in 2025 compared to 2024, primarily due to drought conditions.

Figure 2: Canadian bearing area for apples, highbush and lowbush blueberries, grapes and cherries

Sources: Statistic Canada and FCC

British Columbia

Fruit growers in British Columbia experienced a significant recovery in 2025, following the severe cold snap that devasted crops in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys in 2024. The year 2024 was a rollercoaster ride, and its effects were felt in land transactions in 2025. Although the fruit sector largely rebounded in 2025, the recovery was not immediately evident in land purchases. Overall, the season marked a sold turnaround and generally favourable conditions for orchards and vineyards. Yields were good and quality adequate.

The value of orchards slightly declined in 2025, with a limited number of sales for some regions. Demand for land was variable, and we noted an average decrease in land values of 6.6% across the Okanagan region and 5.3% in the Kootenay region. It was a good season for apple growers. British Columbia’s sweet cherry production reached an all-time high in 2025. Unfortunately, it resulted in other challenges such as lack of bins for storage, shortage of labour for picking and low pricing.

Despite the 2024 bud drop, the 2025 grape harvest was better than expected as the market continues to shift. BC has extended the allowance to import US wine grapes since it was considered a good experience last year, with excellent pricing. Prices paid for vineyards have thus been influenced by the ups and downs of recent years. The value of vineyards in the Okanagan region declined by 20% in 2025 after 2 years of stability. Given how difficult the 2024 season was, it’s no surprise to see the effects on land transactions in 2025.

After record yields across all regions in 2024, highbush blueberry production returned to more average levels for the province. In 2025 land value in South Coast area decreased by 3.1%. This decline is less pronounced than what has been observed in the region for cultivated land.

Ontario

Land values have remained stable (0%) for vineyards in South East, Ontario, with no change in values in 2025. At this time, the supply of vineyards for sale remains limited, however this may not be the trend moving forward. Indeed, some properties are expected to change hands due to a lack of successors or the retirement of older generations.

Orchards also performed well in 2025, with apples and tender fruits enjoying a good year. Production was strong, as were sales. The apple harvest was of very high quality and exceptional flavor, thanks to a hot, dry summer followed by cooler nights toward the end of the season. Sales of orchards are scarce, making it difficult to determine precise land values. However, prices appeared to be rising.

Quebec

Yields for wild blueberry harvests for the 2025 season were considered average, despite initial concerns about the weather (frost, humidity). While wild blueberries are not currently affected by U.S. tariffs, the sector remains exposed given that nearly 50% of exports are destined for the U.S. market. We therefore see a modest increase in land values of 3.0%.

In Quebec’s orchards, growing conditions were excellent until mid-season. This was followed by heat waves and a drought that affected the quality of the apples. The trees suffered from a lack of water, but in some cases, this was mitigated by irrigation. Ultimately, yields were average. The market for orchard sales is limited; it is therefore difficult to provide precise figures, but prices were trending upward in this province.

New Brunswick

Wild blueberry producers in New Brunswick experienced another difficult season, with poor yields due to summer drought conditions. For now, based on the latest analysis, the value of blueberry farms in the province’s North region have remained stable (0%) in 2025. We noted the difference in prices paid is smaller than what was observed in the past.

Nova Scotia

In recent years, the blueberry industry in Nova Scotia has faced production challenges due to extreme and unusual weather events like drought, low snowfall, polar vortex and weather conditions unfavourable to pollination. These adverse weather conditions affected yields, field conditions, and pest populations. The pressure on prices also had raised concerns about the sector’s long-term viability. The 2025 season was no exception. Nevertheless, after two years of stable land values in the blueberry sector of Truro-Shubenacadie, an increase was observed in 2025, with a 4.8% rise.

The wine-growing season in Nova Scotia got off to a good start and the drought then set in. Yields were affected, but the quality of the fruit was good, with intense aromas.

Early in the summer 2025, orchards were growing well. This was followed by several weeks of drought, which slowed the growth of apples. The fruits tended to be smaller, leading to a decline in the total volume of marketable apples and the exclusion of produce that did not meet quality standards.

Bottom line

In 2025, fruit-sector activity increased nationwide, although results varied by crop and region as weather continued to affect yields, quality, and profitability. These operational realities were reflected in land values, which remained generally stable or edged higher in several blueberry regions while more variable in vineyard-producing regions, and showed mixed trends in orchards.

As producers weigh decisions regarding expansion, reinvestment, or succession, resilience measures such as irrigation, risk management, and infrastructure will increasingly differentiate farms and help sustain long-term value in Canada’s fruit-growing regions.

Article by: Judith Francoeur agr, Data Analyst

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