Growers of two new apple varieties created at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Summerland are getting government grants to promote the species.
The Okanagan Plant Improvement Corp. (OPIC) is receiving $25,000 to help build consumer awareness of the “Born in B.C., Raised in the Okanagan” brand. OPIC will spend the money to educate growers and retailers about the new varieties: Aurora Golden Gala and Salish apples.
The funding and promotion of the new apple varieties come as the debate over genetically modified apples rages in the Okanagan.
Farmers told Business in Vancouver last year that they fear that their businesses and reputation will be damaged if Ottawa approves the commercial growing of genetically modified apples developed by Okanagan apple producer and biotechnology entrepreneur Neal Carter.
Carter’s apples resist browning.
Carter has given talks about his apples at places such as a TEDx conference late last fall.
His innovation is to turn off an enzyme that causes apples to turn brown.
“We have not added any DNA from any new species. We’re taking something away by turning off an enzyme,” he explained to BIV.
In contrast, the new apple varieties that are getting government grants were created when researchers crossed existing varieties such as Spendour and Gala apples.
Apples and sweet cherries are B.C.'s two largest tree fruit crops.
