The Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriScience Program invests in B.C. berry industry

The Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association (LMHIA) received an investment of up to $3.6 million under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriScience Program.

 

This funding will support the LMHIA in improving efficiency in production and quality of berries, enhancing the industry’s ability to adapt to a changing climate, and improving clean growth practices through sustainable management of disease and pests.

 

This project builds on research conducted through funding received under previous agricultural policy frameworks. It will have an expanded scope of activities with enhanced cross-commodity cooperation between berry producers across a variety of disciplines, including breeding, pathology, horticultural management and entomology.

 

“The Federal government’s investment in plant breeding and applied research addresses several critical needs for Canadian blueberry, raspberry and strawberry farmers who rely on development of superior varieties with greater fruit yields and quality as well as technical innovations that address pest, disease and horticultural management challenges,” said Eric Gerbrandt, research director, British Columbia Blueberry Council (BCBC), Raspberry Industry Development Council (RIDC), British Columbia Strawberry Growers Association (BCSGA).