Farmers looking for empowered future

By Kirk Starratt

kstarratt@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

One of the oldest agricultural organizations in North America has its sights set squarely on the future.

Fruit growers are hoping that also includes the continuation of an orchard renewal program, capitalizing on research and best practices and gaining a stronger market share - both at home and abroad.

As part of the opening session of the 144th annual Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association (NSFGA) Convention in Greenwich Jan. 29, provincial Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor said being one of the oldest agricultural organizations in North America is something to be proud of.

“Your industry represents Nova Scotia well and has continued to grow and adapt to the changing times and consumer demands.”

Taylor said the five-year Honeycrisp orchard renewal program is continuing. Since 2005, 150 acres of new orchards have been planted: a great example of industry, government and the research community working together to identify opportunities.

NSFGA past president Andrew Bishop of Greenwich thanked the provincial government for its support. There are two years left to go in the orcharde renewal program. He said it’s important for fruit growers to strengthen alliances with buyers, consumers, government and researchers.

Bishop said Nova Scotia has the climate to grow superior Honeycrisp apples, a real opportunity with consumers demanding that particular variety - and expressing a willingness to pay a premium price.

“Research helps the industry move forward,” Bishop said, pointing out research played an integral role in the orchard renewal program, and it’s important to continue in regard to the packaging and storage of Honeycrisps.

Dr. Roy Bush of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said he hoped fruit growers would have an opportunity to focus on the future as part of the convention, look at technology and how it might be applied to their operations.

“We (research scientists) like getting together with tree fruit growers to look at the problems and see how research can address the challenges,” he said.

Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture president Willy Versteeg said government policy and market conditions challenge farm organizations, but his organization believes, when you empower farmers, you’re working toward farm prosperity.

“The tone out there has changed,” Versteeg said. “Farmers are not whining anymore. Everyone is looking to the future. I find that to be incredible. We’re looking forward to prosperity.”