On behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz,Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Lemieux(Glengarry-Prescott-Russell)and Member of Parliament(MP)Mark Warawa(Langley)announced today an investment of over$2.8 million for the development of innovative production practices and quality pest management tools for Canada's berry industry.
This investment to the Lower Mainland Horticulture Improvement Association(LMHIA),under the AgriInnovation Program,will help develop innovative,environmentally-sound production practices,including high-quality berry cultivars that are resistant to pests and diseases.Berry producers will benefit from more efficient production practices and will be better positioned for long-term growth and profitability.
Through strategic partnerships with several industry groups,the LMHIA will also receive over$1 million in support from the B.C.Blueberry Council,the Raspberry Industry Development Council,the B.C.Cranberry Marketing Commission,and the B.C.Strawberry Growers Association.Other project partners will be providing in-kind support and expertise,such as the B.C.Ministry of Agriculture,ES Cropconsult,the B.C.Institute of Technology,and the University of the Fraser Valley.
Quick Facts
The B.C.berry industry is a powerful driver of Canada's economy.One of the fastest growing sectors in agriculture,the industry brought over$200 million to the farm gate in 2012.Berry exports have doubled in the past decade,topping more than$211 million last year.
Our government's AgriInnovation Program is a five-year,up to$698-million initiative under the Growing Forward 2 policy framework.The industry-led research and development stream supports pre-commercialization research,development,and knowledge transfer leading to innovative agriculture,agri-food,and agri-based practices,processes,and products.
This support from the AgriInnovation Program under Growing Forward 2,builds on previous research done under Developing Innovative Agri-Products as part of Growing Forward for research into cultivar breeding.
Canada and the European Union(EU)have reached an agreement in principle on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement that will significantly boost trade and investment ties.Once ratified,EU tariffs on frozen blueberries will be eliminated.
