Apple stock photo

Aug 19, 2019
Nova Scotia apple industry gets research funding

Last week, Canadian officials announced funding for the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association (NSFGA) for research to improve the production and storage of high-quality apples.

An investment of up to $384,490 from the federal AgriScience Program will support the NSFGA to research and develop new environmentally sustainable tools and production methods to control fungal disease and insect pests in apples, while extending harvest time and retaining post-harvest quality, according to a press release from the Canadian government. NSFGA hopes to reduce losses from fungal disease, apple maggot and post-harvest disorders.

Additional support of $167,526 is being provided through the Pan-Atlantic Agriculture Project Partnership Initiative which includes funding from the federal government and the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

“There is a great deal of optimism in the Nova Scotia Tree Fruit industry,” Larry Lutz, President, Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association said in the press release. “This is due, in no small part, to the introduction of new varieties and new technology which would not have been possible without the support of research projects such as this. This funding will help us fine tune the technology necessary to keep us competitive in the world tree fruit industry.”

In 2017, the farm gate value for apples in the Maritime provinces reached $24.7 million, an increase of $9.2 million from 2011 due to the success of high-value cultivars such as Honeycrisp and Ambrosia apples, according to the press release.

 




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