Québec’s agriculture ministry (MAPAQ), under the leadership of minister André Lamontagne, wants to continue modernizing orchards and replacing foreign imports with more locally-grown apples. MAPAQ has announced a one-year extension to the Apple Orchard Modernization Program which has been in place since 2006. The maximum financial assistance is $50,000 per company for the duration of the program.
The modernization plan has several stages, starting with replacing trees with new varieties that have the most economical benefit as well as suitability for Québec’s environment. The results of the work of RECUPOM (apple cultivar and rootstock trials) will be important in these phases. The last stage will be planting these varieties at high densities which will enable mechanized harvesting. The hope is to see a New Apple Orchard Modernization Program by spring 2022.
“The growers are proud to offer quality apples to consumers year-round,” says Eric Rochon, vice-president, Québec Apple Growers. “This ministerial initiative to modernize apple growing in the upcoming years of 2021-2022 will allow us to continue improving productivity as well as augmenting apple varieties. I encourage producers to complete their application in order to benefit from financial assistance for the work of the 2021 season.”
Source : MAPAQ