A program with the provincial and federal governments will help BC berry producers produce a better product.

Over the past decade, BC berry producers have been facing challenges.

Provincial Agriculture Minister Lana Popham says mitigating the effects of climate change is a big one.

The warm weather we had in January followed by the freezing temperatures in February had a negative effect on the raspberry and strawberry crops. “This is a result of having older varieties in the ground.”

“So, because we haven’t really been investing in plant breeding programs as much as we could have, we really haven’t been developing plants that can withstand this kind of new environment for growing.”

The province has pledged one million dollars to berry development over the next five years, the feds have yet to announce their contribution.