SASKATOON – New storage regulations are expected to help British Columbia fruit growers compete with their Washington state counterparts.
Since 1994, American growers have removed newer varieties of apples from controlled atmosphere storage after 45 days, and still had it designated as controlled-atmosphere produce. Under old regulations Canadian growers had to store apples for at least 90 days before they could be designated.
With controlled-atmosphere storage, fruit is stored in a cold, airtight room as soon as it is harvested. The oxygen level in the room is lowered to preserve freshness longer than traditional storage and that lengthens the selling season.
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Shorter shelf life
Brian Baehr, from B.C. Agriculture, said the regulations didn’t take into account that newer varieties of apples have a shorter storage life than traditional varieties. B.C. growers, who had to store the apples for 90 days rather than 45, were at a disadvantage, selling older fruit than the Americans.
Joe Bauer, of B.C. Tree Fruits, said the new regulations give them the “same level field of competition” with growers south of the border.
Gala and Jonagold apples can now be removed from storage after 45 days and still be marketed as controlled-atmosphere produce. The same will be possible with Anjou and other winter pears.
