Berry groups teaming up to preserve PARC program
Funding fromOttawawill help sustain breeding research, seen as key component in keeping the industry competitive.
By Judie Steeves A
ll four groups of berry growers in B.C. are working together with the federal government to ensure the berry breeding program continues at the Pacific Agri-food Research Centre in Agassiz.
In May, the federal government announced more than $1.1 million under the Developing Innovative Agri- Products initiative (DIAP) for research into new varieties, sustainable production and best practices for pest and disease management.
The funds were awarded to the Lower Mainland Horticulture Improvement Association, a 52-year-old non-profit society made up primarily of berry, vegetable, greenhouse and other growers in the horticulture sector. Its purpose is to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry through research and education. Among its main achievements each year is the Horticulture Short Course at the Pacific Agriculture Show, and it is also active in supporting and coordinating a wide range of production research projects. President Alf Krause, of Krause Berry Farms in Langley, said the funding will enable growers to expand efforts to build a strong, market-focused, sustainable berry industry.
He pointed to damage from root rot in raspberries this year as an example of the problems growers face that they are hopeful can be overcome by research. Provincial berry industry specialist Mark Sweeney said some of the money will go towards a three-year berry breeding research program.
“Breeding programs have to be long- term. You can’t just get in and out. Genetics are key to the industry’s competitiveness, or we’ll be left behind,” he commented.
ensure the industry has viability in the future.
Industry has to take the initiative in today’s
economic climate and that requires leadership and vision, he noted. That’s where it’s important the different berry groups work
together to secure funding from senior
JUDIE STEEVES
Alf Krause, president of the Lower Mainland Horticulture Improvement Association, examines raspberry root rot damage, an example of problems growers face that could be overcome by research.
Berry breeding is a 15- to 20-year
commitment, he said, but it can result in improved qualities such as resilience against pests and disease; increased berry yields; and berries that handle better.
Such improvements would allow growers to expand markets both at home and globally.
The breeding program at Agassiz must have long-term continuity to
governments to continue research work into pests and disease as well, he added. Findings are also expected to help berry growers across the country to improve their production efficiency.
Berries are one of the fastest- growing categories of the fresh and frozen fruit sector, fuelled by new information about their health attributes.
The B.C. berry industry has grown considerably over the past few years, with a farm gate value of about $130 million for blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries.
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Gibeau@HoneybeeCentre.com British Columbia Berry Grower • Fall 2010 11
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