Features Fruit Production
Perennial crop program will support agriculture innovation

A new initiative will help to expand perennial crops such as apples, high bush blueberries, and grapes in Prince Edward Island.

The Perennial Crop Development Program is being implemented under the new federal-provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

“Government is strongly committed to the expansion and diversification of the agriculture industry in this province,” Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Robert Henderson said. “Perennial crops provide both ecological and economic benefits, and this program will support innovations in production and storage practices.”

Eligible expenses include the purchase of capital equipment and the adoption of leading edge technologies to reduce costs, add value, increase efficiencies, improve quality, and strengthen market access. Assistance of 50 per cent of the costs is available up to a maximum of $40,000 per project.

The production of perennial crops is the province is diverse. In addition to crops such as blueberries and strawberries, there has been an increase in specialty crops including a rapid expansion in apple production.