Longueuil, September 3, 2023 - Les Producteurs de pommes du Québec (PPQ) are delighted to announce the official launch of the apple season in la belle province, despite the vagaries of the weather, including last May's spring frost, which caused significant damage in some regions. The effects of climate change are not the only concern for apple growers: for some years now, they have also had to deal with a number of issues linked to adapting the sector to new economic, technological and climatic realities. Apple growers are calling on MAPAQ to join forces to implement a strategy that will ensure sustainable, prosperous food self-sufficiency for the Quebec apple market.
"Our adaptation challenges are enormous and have major repercussions on every link in the chain, from production to distribution, not forgetting consumers," says Éric Rochon, President of Producteurs de pommes du Québec and owner of Ferme Rochon et frères in Saint-Benoît de Mirabel.
High stakes
- In recent years, the Quebec apple's share of the grocery market has stagnated at around 50%;
- The number of growers is steadily declining, and it is difficult for the next generation to take over orchards in the current economic climate;
- According to a study carried out for the Table filière pomicole, consumers seem to be increasingly favouring the new, firmer, sweeter varieties, which are still rarely produced in Quebec;
- Production costs are constantly on the rise, especially labor, which accounts for over 30% of total costs;
- Extreme weather events are on the increase due to climate change;
- The absence of a financing program.
The government's Orchard Modernization Program expired in March 2021. Since then, two Initiatives ministérielle de modernisation des vergers de pommiers have been launched. The PPQs have lobbied MAPAQ to see a better long-term program emerge, but requests have gone unanswered. "Over the past few years, with the support of various members of the Table filière, we've had time to think about win-win solutions for everyone involved in the sector, but government support is essential if we are to diversify our apple supply by planting new varieties. It's a visionary plan, and one that's worthy of the Quebec apple: an iconic food, a source of national pride, and the only Quebec fruit available year-round," proclaims Mr. Rochon.
"While many agricultural businesses are facing a difficult economic context due to inflation, rising production input costs and soaring interest rates, the 2023 summer season was characterized by unprecedented extreme weather events. These have caused more than significant damage in several production sectors. The government must support the apple-growing sector to develop a strategy for growth and adaptation to today's new realities. This will ensure the long-term future of this sector in Quebec. Supporting agriculture and agri-food means supporting Quebecers' larder," says Martin Caron, General President of the Union des producteurs agricoles.
Possible solutions
The strategy for adapting to new economic, technological and climatic realities includes diversifying the apple offer by planting new varieties and following market and consumer trends, as well as strengthening adaptation to climate change to improve apple quality. Other solutions are envisaged to increase the competitiveness of Les producteurs de pommes du Québec by lowering production costs through high-density replanting and the use of new technologies and machinery.
And the pick-your-own season?
Our growers are ready and waiting for you! We invite you to check the availability of pick-your-own apples or visittheir orchard kiosksbefore you come.
This year is no exception: consumers will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of apples, from classics like Cortland and Empire to newer varieties like Honeycrisp and Ambrosia.
Apple production in Quebec
Les Producteurs de pommes du Québec is a group of growers dedicated to promoting the cultivation, harvesting and marketing of Quebec apples. It represents nearly 442 apple growers across the province. Quebec apple production totals 88 M lb for fresh apples and 84 M lb for processed apples, representing 26% of Canadian production.
Source: Les Producteurs de pommes du Québec