Tag Archives: Blueberry farming

Funding for Canadian Fruit Farmers

Canada has a major fruit industry despite our short growing season and cold climate.

Most Canadian fruit production occurs in Southern Ontario and southwest British Columbia, as they average the longest frost-free period per year at about 180 days. Parts of Quebec and the Maritimes also produce significant fruit crops, even with a shorter 120 frost-free days on average per year.

 

In British Columbia grapes, blueberries and cranberries lead the way. Ontario is the largest apple producer.  Canada’s most valuable fruit harvest is the blueberry crop consisting of domesticated and wild varieties. Canada is in fact now the world’s largest producer of wild blueberries.

Most fruit plants are perennial and as such offer an attractive annual return to farmers who are looking for either high-value side crop or to concentrate on fruit growing.

The cost to establish an Orchard, Vineyard or blueberry farm can be substantial. Fortunately, there are several funding programs available to farmers looking to establish or grow a fruit farming business.

When you are ready to expand your fruit orchard or start a new fruit farm,

The Canadian Grants Business Center can help.

Contact us Toll-Free at 1-888-231-0075 or Contact us now to find out more!

New Blueberry Teaching & Research Farm In Quebec

A new blueberry teaching and research farm will be established in Quebec.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have announced the creation of a blueberry teaching and research farm in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. This location is easily accessable and representative of the blueberry farms in the region.

Funding of $42,600 will be granted through the Programme de développement sectoriel (PDS), a  program implemented by the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under the Canada-Quebec Growing Forward 2 agreement.

“With some 30,000 hectares in operation, the blueberry production is second in importance in terms of farm income in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. It is therefore an important economic activity for our region. Today I am proud to announce this project that our government committed to achieve a year ago at the Economic Summit. Allowing the blueberry industry to implement short- and long-term research projects will increase the competitiveness of our regional companies,” says Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec and MNA for Roberval.

“This research and teaching project is a great example of an initiative that promotes the agricultural potential of a region in order to benefit producers, processors, consumers and even students. The development and operation of this facility are well aligned with government policy and with the approach set out in the strategic plan for Quebec’s wild blueberry sector,” adds Pierre Paradis, Quebec Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

“Canada is the world’s largest producer of wild blueberries. The federal government is proud to support the creation of a blueberry teaching and research farm that will help the sector improve its competitiveness and meet growing consumer demand for safe, high-quality products. Combining teaching and research will have an impact on the transfer of knowledge from producers and the next generation,” says Denis Lemieux, Member of Parliament Chicoutimi – Le Fjord.

For more information on farm grants and information on starting a blueberry farm or other farm, please contact Canadian Grants Business Center Toll Free: 1-888-231-0075