APRIL 2019 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC
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BC could benefit from US trade battles Over-production is keeping prices low but new market opportunities may be on horizon
by RONDA PAYNE RICHMOND – BC’s cranberry
industry faces unique challenges when compared to other cranberry growing regions in North America. Pluses and minuses were explored at the February 19 Cranberry Congress the BC Cranberry Marketing Commission and BC Cranberry Growers’ Association hosted. Congress committee chair Jeff Hamilton discussed market factors the Massachusetts-based Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC) identified over the last year in relation to BC. “Tariffs have become an
important thing,” he says. “Our tariff structure is now lower, or in many cases will be lower, than the US.” Various trade agreements are raising the price of US exports. Hamilton believes high tariffs may bring more cranberry processing to Canada and increase markets for Canadian-grown and processed berries. India is one of the new target destinations for cranberries. CMC reached more than 50 million consumers in the country in 2018 through various public relations activities. Activities in 2019 will include establishing relationships with local trade partners. US growers exported 1,259 barrels (each barrel is 100 pounds) to India in the 2016/2017 season. This rose to 4,032 barrels in 2017/2018. Ongoing growth represents an opportunity for BC growers. The US market is also important for BC growers to watch as most local cranberries head south. CMC statistics indicate that BC is the primary source of the 1.87 million barrels the US imported in 2018, at 1.3 million barrels. CMC’s numbers show an overabundance of concentrate which is challenging to sell. “There’s not enough market for it. Everyone’s
trying to figure out what to do with it,” Hamilton notes. “We have a problem in the industry. There are shortages of round fruit.” One area that is seeing room for growth is the
expected to be finalized by April 2019, with a 12-month grace period before maximum residue levels (MRLs) are affected. MRL cancellation will likely have a six- month grace period, meaning that by October 2020, tolerance will be go from 5 parts per million to 0.01 ppm. “It’s important to make sure the fruit gets out of the system … by that cancellation date,” says Wilson. “We’ve been working with plant pathologists on non-Bravo options.” Washington State University
research scientist Kim Patten told growers alternatives to Bravo exist that inhibit spore germination and mycelial growth. Quadris Top is one of his first
Washington State University research scientist Kim Patten, left, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada entomologist Sheila Fitzpatrick were presented with BC Cranberry Industry service awards. RONDA PAYNE PHOTO
organic market. However, BC (where Hamilton joked that weeds grow in December) is not the ideal climate for growing organic cranberries. Quebec is, where freezing temperatures aid in controlling bugs and weeds. “They basically follow the Wisconsin models,” says Hamilton. “They are 30% to 40% organic.” Additionally, CMC is continuing a study of
formulations of cranberry juice and cranberry powder to combat H. pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and can lead to stomach cancer. Results are expected in the first half of 2019. This may enhance sales domestically as well as to international markets like India and China. John Wilson, horticultural advisor at the Cranberry
Institute in Carver, Massachusetts, delivered difficult news for those who use the fungicide Bravo (chlorothalonil). In early December, the EU proposed cancelling use of Bravo due to health concerns. This ban is
choices. It is very good for field rot, though he points out that it isn’t as effective as Bravo on physalospora spore germination. Quadris Top led to a 17% increase of cranberries per acre on average over a control field that wasn’t treated with fungicide. That works out to an additional 50 barrels of berries. “You do have to rotate your
fungicides,” he adds. Using fungicides from different
FRAC groups will help prevent resistance going forward without Bravo. Patten also spoke about herbicides. He says that Chateau (flumioxazin) from Valent is a good product for moss control in cranberries. Application is limited to between late November and early February. It provides 80% to 100% permanent control when used in chemigation or broadcast application. “The stuff is a miracle,” Patten says. “Moss can
really have some impact on cranberries. It’s a nice chemistry for moss. But it can fry the tips of vines if applied on new growth.” Patten notes there are other options for moss
control, but he describes fertilizing with iron sulfate as a “nasty chemistry.” Aim, which is showing efficacy on moss from studies in the eastern US, is not yet available in Canada. Chateau is expected to be registered for cranberries in Canada in 2021 or 2022.
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