R & D

In 2009 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) implemented its "Growing Forward" policy framework which included a program called Developing Innovative Agri-Products (DIAP) to supporty industry-led science and technology projects.  The goal of DIAP is to encourage innovation and private sector investment in the commercialization of new and value-added agricultural products, by reducing risk and accelarating commercialization.

On behalf of organizations representing cherry growers in British Columbia and apple growers in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, PICO and AAFC are collaborating under the DIAP program on activities involving:

• apple and sweet cherry cultivar R&D
• tree fruit health and horticultural practices R&D
• postharvest storage and quality characterization R&D
• sensory evaluation
• national grower testing and field services

R&D reports are available below.

Reports in English:

Postharvest quality and storage responses for Apples (Apr 21 2011)

Report on Urban Consumer Preferences for Apples (Dec 10 2010)

Reports in French: 

Examen des préférences des consommateurs urbains de pomme
(10 déc 2010)

Réactions à l’entroposage et qualité post-récolte des pommes
(21 avril 2011)