Barry Balsom has a snappy comeback when people talk about "valley apples." While the other person is usually talking about the world famous Annapolis Valley variety, Barry thanks them and says "Yes, I happen to think Tyne Valley apples are the best." Barry is president of the Prince Edward Island Apple Growers Association and hails from, probably no surprise here, the Tyne Valley area.
Starting in the 2000 growing season, all 12 growers in the association began using the Ecological Fruit Production (EFP) guidelines. The internationally recognized guidelines are designed to enhance natural pest control, increase the health of trees, prevent diseases and pests and reduce reliance on chemicals.
The association received funding assistance from the Prince Edward Island ADAPT Council and the provincial government. The council is the agency which administers federal government funds aimed at helping farmers and agricultural organizations adapt to new technology and seize market opportunities.
"It has allowed the growers to excel," Balsom said. "We have defined what the Island apple is -- input costs actually go down under the program so they are in a better position to make money off their acreage. "He explained the EPF standards are monitored by an independent third party, adding Island growers are confident the system sets them apart from their competitors.
Growers are required to attend monthly education meetings to upgrade their skills and knowledge. "I'm very happy when you consider we came from zero to 60 in two years," he said. "We're moving the crop and there is good, good potential for the Island apple right now." Barry said using the guidelines has helped Island growers gain the key to success -- prime shelf space in stores. He added "just having the shelf space and working with major packers is a leg up -- if you don't have the shelf space, you don't have the market."
The association's role in the program is to provide a format for its members and to work with provincial and federal governments to help audit the program. While the federal and provincial help was only designed to be short term, he said the growers all see the benefits of using the guidelines. "This is the way of the future for our industry. Basically, it is an assurance to the consumer that the apple was grown in an environmentally sustainable manner," Balsom said. "One of our biggest problems is Island apples are not very visible to consumers and we have to keep plugging away telling Islanders what we grow, how we grow it and what it looks like."
As well, he said the protocol allows the growers to reduce their cost inputs and thus improve the bottom line. With a safer product for the consumer and a better bottom line for the producer, he added, "this is a win-win situation for everybody."
Andy Walker is a freelance writer for the Agricultural Awareness Committee - August 15, 2001