For any new crop, having a group of growers and experts come together to share knowledge and experience, and to proactively educate themselves through horticultural and other research, all in order to help promote an industry, translates into nothing short of success.
The Haskap Growers’ Association of Nova Scotia supports members by providing information on available resources to help with planning, establishment and management of their orchards, as well as horticultural, technological and marketing research through it’s workshops and orchard tours.The Haskap Growers’ Association of Nova Scotia started with approximately thirty two members in the year of inception (2011), this figure having doubled by the end of 2019. Membership is mostly from Nova Scotia, with a few from other the other maritime provinces like Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. A nominal fee of $55.0, combines annual membership fees for both the local (HGANS) Association, and the new National Association, Haskap Canada which established in 2018.
Business planning and investment assessment is crucial in order to become a commercial grower of Haskap. The industry has evolved such that growers have several different business options today. These range from organic, natural or conventional methods of operational management, which may be geared towards either u-pick, farmers markets or commercial markets, or even a combination of these markets. U-pick operations, likely need an acre to start with. For the Farmer’s market, it is generally suggested to start with a couple of acres. Growers who are interested in commercial production, should start with a minimum of 5 acres. An orchard should reach full production by five to six years after planting. Dollars and cents aside, and whichever model of operation a grower adopts, the work in starting and maintaining Haskap orchard requires ongoing commitment in order to reap the benefits. The Mission of the Haskap Growers Association of Nova Scotia is to support and promote the Haskap berry industry. The Goal is to enhance the economic viability of the crop for growers in Nova Scotia.
Contact : email: info(at)haskapnovascotia.ca website: https://www.haskapnovascotia.ca
Date : October 30, 2019