Some answers and I'll do them individually as concise as I can, some require some
serious explanation. First Karrie, the first thing you look for in developing an apple
tree in colder climate is the rootstock it is attached to. If you are in Saskatchewan,
probably a Russian rootstock. that is what they call it. A newer variety you might
look at seriously, is Honeycrisp. This variety originated in Minnesota, and it grows
well in Ontario and Nova Scotia We also produce it in BC but in my view it is not
suited to warmer climates. I have personally eaten them from other regions of Canada
and I think we should only grow them in small amounts. The Prairie might work.
For those who don't know, Saskatchewan has a fledgling tree fruit industry and there is
a grower in Davidson who you might like to talk to his name is Charles Moore, he has an
orchard planted just outside of Davidson, between Regina and Saskatoon.
The University in Saskatoon has a tree fruit experimental program.
It should also be noted the BC Fruit Growers Association is willing to help this industry
grow as well. If you are also serious about planting something, PICO you can find their
Website, is at the Summerland Experimental Station in the Okanagan. PICO not only
develops apple varieties, we also produce 80% of all new cherry varieties world wide.
Many may not know but in BC we have what is called the Agricultural Land Reserve.
The problem is the system saved farmland but not he farmer. Many properties are
seeing trees removed and hay grown, and that is because of other problems in the
agricultural industry. Government lack of investment in programs, and free trade
have caused no end of problems at the moment. BC is the Province that spends
the least in agricultural investment programs. The one thing BC has done right is the
is the school snack program. All across the province schools are opting into the
program. Students are given snacks during school time. Teachers and school staff
also receive the snack. The education system, informs students as to where the
food was grown, how it was grown, the food value and some of the ways the food
can be prepared as a snack or in a lunch.
The rules about farm land are being tightened and diversity of crops are making some
changes in the farm industry. There are some other things coming that I think will in
the future will put much of the land back into production.
Petros where in Winfield did you grow up? I grew up in Winfield and Oyama, attended
both Winfield Elementary and George Elliot High School but I left earlier in the sixties.
Left the valley, came back, left the valley, came back. You know the routine, there is
something about the Okanagan that draws one back.