Fruit and vegetable production

Between cheaper imports, the increase in the Canadian dollar, plum pox virus, a harsh winter and drought-like conditions in the western provinces, Canadian fruit and vegetable farmers are faced with many challenges in the upcoming crop year.

Growers intend to sow 6% less vegetable area than last year. In spring of 2004, the Avon Foods processing plant in Berwick, Nova Scotia closed down, which resulted in Nova Scotia's vegetable processing area intentions plummeting by 95% compared with 2003. Green pea and bean processed area diminished in Nova Scotia and regular carrot processed area decreased by 58% partly as a result of the plant closure.

A rise in the demand for convenience foods, pre-processed and pre-packaged frozen vegetables, as well as a growth in stir-fry consumption, combined with an overall trend towards healthier eating supports a 16% increase in baby carrot area, a 16% jump in head lettuce area and a 7% rise in broccoli area.

Growing intentions for fruit trees and berries decreased slightly in 2004. Fruit farmers are planning on growing less plums and prunes, table grapes, pears, apricots, strawberries, raspberries, apples and peaches this year. Tender fruit tree area has decreased in Ontario because of the Plum Pox Virus Eradication Program set forth by the federal government. Over a three-year period, the goal is to eradicate existing diseased fruit trees and replace them with non-diseased trees.

Available on CANSIM: tables 001-0009, 001-0012 and 001-0013.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey numbers, including related surveys, 3407 and 3411.

The June 2004 issue of Fruit and Vegetable Production (22-003-XIB, $25/$50), which is published twice a year, in June and February, will soon be available. A print-on-demand service is also available for a different price.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact William Parsons (613-951-8727), Agriculture Division.