The province is providing B.C. apple and tree fruit growers with $2 million to help replant low-value orchards with high-demand varieties.
The program flows from the ministry’s Agrifoods Strategy, and its goal to expand domestic markets through high-quality products by targeting the planting of premium varieties such as Ambrosia and red strains of Gala. The funding will help focus B.C. apple growers on a “right variety, right size, right grade” strategy to serve high-value fruit markets with apple varieties that thrive in B.C.’s climate.
The program, which also includes a grafting and budding component, will operate for three years. Growers can apply to participate in the program at any time.
The program will be administered by the BC Fruit Growers Association, in partnership with the BC Investment Agriculture Foundation.
Applications will be reviewed by a small panel with representation from the Ministry of Agriculture, the B.C. Fruit Growers Association and independent growers.
B.C.’s Agrifoods Strategy aims to expand domestic and international markets for B.C. foods by focusing on the production of high-quality products. The strategy is designed to lead B.C.’s agrifoods sector to a $14-billion-a-year industry by 2017.
Ministry of Agriculture, Dave Crebo, Communications Director