Oct 16, 2017

Canada invests in Quebec cranberry industry

Canadian government officials last week announced two initiatives benefiting Quebec Cranberry growers.

More than $9.3 million of government funding will assist expansion and a new plant at fruit processer Fruit d’Or in Plessisville, Quebec.

“Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada’s support through the AgriInnovation Program and interest-free financing is very important for Fruit d’Or,” said company President and CEO Martin Le Moine. “Fruit d’Or has invested more than $50 million in its new Plessisville plant over the past two years. Because of this support, Fruit d’Or has an ultra-modern facility, equipped with innovations that enable it to provide its clients in more than 50 countries with innovative products that showcase Quebec cranberries and berries.”

The funding was announced Oct. 13 in Plessisville.

“With its new ultra-modern plant, Fruit d’Or is increasing the quality and nutritional value of its cranberry products, and it will boost its demand for inputs, its production and its exports, creating jobs and strengthening our economy,” said Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‑Food.

Cranberry study funded

Canada also announced funding for a study with the objective of increasing the pollination efficiency of bees to achieve better yields in cranberry production.

Poissant on Oct. 12 announced the investment of $183,127 in the project by Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault (CRSAD). He said the investment would allow Canadian cranberry producers “to be more competitive and help our dairy sector remain a world leader in sustainable development.”

The funding will enable the CRSAD to identify the best method of feeding bees with sucrose syrup and to test variations of that method to maximize the bees’ pollination efficiency in cranberry production. The outcomes of this project are designed to increase cranberry yields and decrease bee feeding costs.

” Canada holds an enviable position in the world for cranberry production, and bees are major allies of the industry,” said CRSAD President Jean-Paul Laforest. “Our project will deliver positive outcomes for both cranberry production and the bees themselves. For our other project, the investment in research to improve livestock housing conditions in the dairy industry will enable Canadian producers to differentiate themselves, be more competitive, improve their businesses and, especially, enhance their living conditions and those of their livestock.”

In 2016, the Quebec cranberry industry generated nearly $82 million in market receipts and over $30 million in exports. Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP).

Above: File photo by Stephen Kloosterman