nowcalled our off-season. From December intoMaywe do not have our own fruit production.” According to Baumann, importing


berry product that sells for high prices andmight have been grown contrary to Canadian principles and values is not the answer. “We rely on our Canadian systemto


ensure our produce is grown according to our environmental safeguards, butwe have no control overwhat other countries do.Newfree trade agreements which allowforeign countries to sell product into Canada at prices that undermine Canadian producers only hurts Canadian farmers. “For instance,when Canadawas a


major rose growing countrywith a fairly large exportmarket, the industry flourished. Then the federal government entered into a free trade agreementwith Colombia in South America. Its labor costswere very lowwhen compared with Canada’s and Colombian growers were able to export and in a fewyears forced Canada’s rose growers out of business.” But that is going to change. A variety


of blueberry calledHascap,which comes fromnorthern Japan andRussia,


will soon be available in Canada as an early season berry inMay. Growing newand improved varieties


of berries under cover in greenhouses or tunnels is necessary if Canada is to become self-sufficientwith its food production.” Baumann and his students at the


University of the Fraser Valley in Chilliwack are currently channeling their energies into a programthatwill eventually expand greenhouse growing to areas in Canadawhich today do not


growany of their own berries and fruits. The greenhouse industry holds the key to this project, and Baumann is confident itwill become theway of the future. “Andwewon’t have to concern


ourselves about globalwarming nor freshwater as Canada is blessedwith an abundant supply ofwater.” With greenhouse expansion and new


varieties coming on streamthe future looks bright for berry and soft fruit growers.


10 British Columbia Berry Grower • Fall 2014


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