Blueberries
BC’s berry growers are pleased with a provincial contribution of $200,000 a year for five years to support new research into blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.
According to Eric Gerbrandt, Research Director for the BC Blueberry Council, BC Strawberry Growers Association and Raspberry Industry Development Council, the $1 million will enhance the BC berry breeding program as well as research in the areas of pests, diseases and horticultural management practices.
“It’s a research program designed to bolster the competitiveness of the BC berry sector through developing new berry genetics and more effective ways of managing them,” he says. “This commitment tells berry growers that the provincial government supports competitiveness of the sector through partnering in research and development.”
While berry research has continued over past years, the funding comes at a key moment for both strawberry and raspberry industries which have seen declines in recent years while blueberries have experienced rapid growth.