There haven’t been many new fruit growers in Saskatchewan lately, but
those in the business have expanded their acreages, said Clarence
Peters, provincial specialist in fruit crops with Saskatchewan
Agriculture.
Speaking at the Saskatchewan Fruit Growers conference in Saskatoon Nov.
2, Peters said that is not unusual for a maturing industry.
There are 1,553 acres in fruit production in Saskatchewan, 1,183 of
which are producing acres.
They include 240 saskatoon growers, 94 strawberry producers and 59 in
other fruits.
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Commenting on trends in the evolving industry, Peters noted a shift
from U-pick to producer-picked was also expected.
He said today’s lifestyles make it more convenient for people to buy
prepared or packaged products.
Processing holds promise for the future, but the industry must further
tap an immigrant labour force to more efficiently harvest crops.
He said Saskatchewan is one of the only provinces that does not tap
this skilled migrant workforce, regularly employed at harvest in
British Columbia orchards.
He said saskatoons, Saskatchewan’s main fruit crop, have evolved from
U-pick to commercialization but greater amounts of fruit are needed for
processing and export markets.
“We scarcely have enough volume to satisfy processing needs,” he noted.
Only 10 processors are marketing fresh, frozen and processed product.
Peters said processing extends the marketing season of fruits, and
fresh and frozen markets also offer consumers numerous nutritional
“goodies.”
“That’s an important market to go after that could really open up,”
said Peters.
Apples and cherries are among fruit acreages that could be added to
berry orchards, he said, predicting they will be part of the next wave
in fruit development and production.
“It spreads the risk factors among different crops,” Peters said.
Other areas showing promise include organic markets and propagating
strawberry crowns for export markets.
He also suggested extending the season and improving prices for growers
through the use of dry tunnels, greenhouse-like structures used with
drip irrigation but without power.
Peters said Saskatchewan fruit caters to a small fresh food market,
setting itself apart from imported fruits in taste.
In the future, varieties that store better must be found, he said.
Peters said more saskatoons could be supplied to Saskatchewan
restaurants and more berries processed into pies and muffins, ice
cream toppings and mixes for value-added markets.
Citing increased saskatoon production in other provinces, he told
growers not to fear a development that will introduce the native berry
to more people.
“It increases the market and so much the better,” Peters said.
He reminded growers of the importance of pruning shrubs to prevent
suckering, maintain optimum berry growth and reduce the incidence of
plant diseases.
“The younger the shoots, the more healthy they will be,” said Peters.
Lack of snow cover in some areas, later than normal harvests and some
salinity problems were among challenges faced by Saskatchewan growers
this year, he said.
