Fruit Cultivation

Most of the fruit species cultivated in Canada belong to the ROSE family, the most important genera being Malus (APPLE), Pyrus (PEAR), Prunus (PEACH, nectarine, PLUM and prune, CHERRY, APRICOT), Fragaria (strawberry, see CULTIVATED BERRIES), Rubus (raspberry) and Vaccinium (cranberry, blueberry).

Other major families having cultivated fruit species are Saxifragaceae, with Ribes (currant and gooseberry), and Vitaceae, with Vitis (GRAPE). Each fruit species has many cultivars (commercial varieties), developed for various characteristics. For example, in Canada adaptation to a specific climatic factor (eg, cold winters) is important. Breeding and selection programs give priority to these requirements; CROP RESEARCH programs have developed many cultivars.

The FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY is an important part of the AGRICULTURE AND FOOD distribution sectors of the economy. Fruit and vegetable consumption has increased over the past years, because people are more concerned about their health and want to eat well, and there is also an increase in the number of vegetarians. Over 40 fruit and vegetable crops are grown commercially in Canada, with an annual farm-gate value of about $1.5 billion. Nearly 50% of this figure is for fruits.

Canadian-grown fruit is marketed fresh or is processed in various ways. For example, while most apples and "tender" fruits (cherries, peaches, pears, plums, prunes) are sold fresh, a good proportion is processed into juice, sauce, pie filling, frozen slices and other products.

Sweet cherries are processed for brining (for maraschino cherries) or are frozen (for ice cream and baking use). Tart cherries are frozen or canned (pie filling, jams, jellies, juices). Most Canadian-grown grapes are processed into WINE and juice. The perishable fruits (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry) are preserved by freezing or canning.

Some fruits, particularly apples and pears, are stored at harvest rather than being processed or immediately sold fresh. The fruit continues to live after harvest, using oxygen, giving off carbon dioxide and generating heat (ie, by respiration). This process eventually leads to breakdown of fruit tissues. Refrigeration and controlled-atmosphere storage allow orderly marketing of fresh fruit almost year-round.

Fruit growing is usually restricted to areas where winter temperatures do not go much below -20ºC. Over 85% of commercial fruit growing in Canada occurs in British Columbia, Ontario and Québec, while the remainder is mostly concentrated in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

British Columbia

Strawberries, raspberries, loganberries and grapes are cultivated in the Lower Mainland area but the fruit-growing region is the OKANAGAN VALLEY. The valley is in the rain-shadow area of the interior; hence, fruit growing is dependent on irrigation. The complete range of fruit crops is grown, but the major crop is apples. Most orchards are located on the top and sides of terraces along the sides of lakes. Deep, dividing gullies, running from the high slopes down to the water, provide necessary air drainage to prevent frost damage. Winter damage to trees is a recurring problem; eg, low temperatures in the 1949-50 winter caused an estimated loss of 20% of all trees.

Ontario

The moderating influence of Lakes Huron, Erie and Ontario, coupled with suitable soils, allows the growing of a complete range of fruit crops in southwestern Ontario. The more tender fruits (eg, peach, cherry, grape, plum, pear) are limited to the Niagara Fruit Belt on the southwest shore of Lake Ontario. Apples are grown over much of the southern part of the province, including the south shore of Georgian Bay.

Québec

Orchards are located mainly on light soils around the bases of old volcanic hills that rise above the dry loams of the plains, and in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, near the US border. Low winter temperatures can cause extensive tree damage. For example, in the winter of 1917-18 temperatures of -37ºC to -40ºC resulted in losses estimated at 50%. In the winter of 1980-81, temperatures fell to -33ºC and an unusual warm spell followed. The result was a reduction of production from an average of 5.3 to 2.4 million bushels (192 to 87 million L).

Nova Scotia

Production is confined to the ANNAPOLIS LOWLANDS, where SOIL type and CLIMATE are well suited to production of apples, blueberries and strawberries. Winter temperatures often dip to -24ºC; hence, peach and cherry growing are marginal.

New Brunswick

Severe winter temperatures restrict production to the Saint John River valley. Only apples can withstand severe winter temperatures (often -24ºC, but reaching -34ºC). Some blueberries and strawberries are also grown.

Author J.T.A. PROCTOR

Links to Other Sites
Tree Fruits
This tasty website offers a basketful of online resources about commercial tree fruit production. Also features information about tree fruit pests and fact sheets for backyard gardeners about varieties of tree fruit that can be grown in BC.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
See the latest news about food saftey issues in Canada from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The Okanagan Historical Society
The Okanagan Historical Society provides a tour of intersting historical landmarks found in BC's Okanagan Valley.

Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute
Check out this website for information and reports about current issues impacting on the productivity and competitiveness of Canada's agri-food sector.