Fruit industry gains $5-million investment

Victoria, B.C. – The federal government and the government of British Columbia have announced a $5-million fund designed to help the province’s fruit growers innovate, create greener businesses and improve market access.

With $3 million in federal funding and a $2-million provincial investment, the Tree Fruit Market and Infrastructure Innovation Initiative will also support efforts by producers to invest in new technology, create more market opportunities to sell their products, and strengthen their position worldwide.

The B.C. Fruit Growers Association is now accepting proposals for access to the fund from tree fruit associations, companies and producers. Suitable projects for consideration include greener packaging and storage infrastructure, market and product development, water conservation programs, and initiatives that build on the Sterile Insect Release program in the Okanagan regions.

“We want to support the trailblazers out there who are ready to put new technologies to the test and try out new markets and products,” said B.C. Agriculture Minister Ben Stewart, in making the announcement. “There are some promising opportunities out there to improve environmental sustainability and business performance. This funding will build on British Columbia’s strong reputation for leadership in providing high-quality, sustainably produced fruit.”