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January 21, 2013 - 12:13 PM
In an effort to help B.C. fruit growers increase competitiveness and profitability the province is changing the replant program.
Soon growers will be able to diversify their orchards because the like-to-like requirement will be dropped. Therefore, if cherries have always been grown on a particular property, the owner can apply to the program to replant with apple trees if they choose. The announcement of the new program was made at the British Columbia Fruit Grower's annual meeting in Penticton Saturday.
"The replant program supports growers who want to take advantage of the marketplace's demand for high-value apples and other tree fruits, and encourages growers who are planning to switch to higher value varieties to make the change," says agricultural minister Norm Letnick.
The decision to make the change was based on information gathered during meetings between the province, growers and industry leaders.
"I have directed ministry staff to consult with the B.C. Fruit Growers Association to develop guidelines and criteria and anticipate they will be completed and posted next month."
News from © iNFOnews, 2013