Blueberries
In May, the provincial government announced $1 million in funding to support berry research. That amount was brought up to $6 million with the July announcement by the federal government of its share ($3.6 million) when added to the industry’s funds of $1.4 million.
It’s the largest berry research project ever undertaken in BC’s history and one that growers are excited about. The federal funding, made possible through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriScience Program, was announced at Abbotsford’s Berry Have Farm by Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Jati Sidhu, MP Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon to a group of berry growers, association staff, government and berry supporters.
The research, which will be coordinated by the Lower Mainland Horticulture Association (LMHIA) on behalf of BC Blueberry Council (BCBC), Raspberry Industry Development Council (RIDC) and BC Strawberry Growers Association (BCSGA), will benefit all three berry groups.
David Mutz, of Berry Haven Farm and treasurer of the LMHIA notes it paints a bright future for the industry, despite current challenges such as off-shore competition, climate change and decreasing yields.
“We have a long track record of investing in new varieties,” he says. “It’s essential to adapting to consumer demands and changing climate. One of the pillars of the program is genetics. This will allow us to do our own specialization and really do the best we can for Canada.”
Key aspects of the research will include breeding for better climate adaptation, resistance to pests and disease and superior fruit yield and quality.