Nipawin group hopes to grow Sask. fruit sector

Mar 9, 2016 | 2:59 PM

Saskatchewan’s fruit sector is ripe for the picking but there are not enough producers to meet the demand.

The Twin Lakes Planning Commission, out of Nipawin, is hoping to change that. They are hosting a special workshop Monday, March 14, in the hopes of getting more producers interested in growing Haskap or Saskatoon berries.

Chris Hudyma with the Town of Nipawin said there’s a great deal of global interest in Saskatchewan fruit.

“Right now our goal is to introduce the middle class of the world to these great products that are grown here in Saskatchewan. It’s kind of our little secret,” he said.

Countries such as China have shown great interest in both Saskatoon berries and Haskap.  A group from Saskatchewan also promoted the Saskatoon berry while travelling in London England last month.

Hudyma said marginal sections of land or the bigger chunks of land where the big equipment cannot get into, are ideal spots for fruit trees.

“It’s similar to a honey producer going into an old abandoned farm yard and establishing their hives. We are just trying to maximize all the farmland in this beautiful area,” he said.

The all-day workshop will take place at the Evergreen Centre on Monday. Representatives from both the Saskatchewan Agricultural Council and the fruit growers association will be on hand to answer questions.

Jack Upshall with the Hanfood group is among the guest speakers.

“He’s going to bring his latest insights on his latest visit to China and explain the demand and what the audience is looking for out there,” Hudyma said.

Registration for the workshop is $25 or $40 per couple at the door. For additional information email enterprisecentre@nipawin.com

 

 

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell