Goto InfoBasket Homepage
|
Berries |
|
Goto InfoBasket Homepage
|
Berries |
|
Berries F.A.Q.s |
Where can I find information on how to start or buy a berry farm?
Please check for latest statistics and trends to compliment the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands " A Guide to Starting a New Farm Enterprise" [PDF] which is available on the ministry's website. Farm listings are available through many realtors in province. Potential buyers should examine the gross farm income and farm expenses from farm income taxes when making purchasing decisions. Obtaining information from horticultural consultants with knowledge of your area and specific crops is very useful. The factsheet, " Resources for Berry Growers" [PDF] lists sources of important services and information.
[ back to top ]
Where can I get money to start a berry farm??
Starting a berry farm will require a significant amount of capital, which might be obtained from a number of sources, including personal equity, borrowed funds, leasing or possibly venture capital type arrangements. Most of the major financial institutions have loans available for farmers. Farm Credit Canada has specific loan programs for agricultural commodities.
It is important to develop a sound financial plan for your farm prior to assessing finance options. Section B.1.2 and Section B.2.1 of the InfoBasket Berries community has information and links on business planning, investment and various sources of financing.
[ back to top ]
What government financial programs are available for berry growers?
2009 Overview of Government Financing from the Canada/BC Business Services provides information on government business loan programs.
Other financial programs focus on industry level support through industry development funds where partial funding may be accessed on select projects, such as those that involve new product development, research or marketing. Information on these programs is available from the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC and from the BC Agriculture Council.
Agriculture environmental programs include the Canada - British Columbia Environmental Farm Plan Program which helps producers improve environmental stewardship practices, and the Canada - BC Water Supply Expansion Program.
There are specific programs for growers related to Production Insurance and for income stabilization and disaster relief support. The new federal/provincial agricultural policy framework will see some changes to these support programs. Additional information is available on the Ministry site at http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/rm.htm and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s site under The New Business Risk Management Suite.
[ back to top ]
What kinds of berry crops can I grow on my land?
What you can grow profitably on your land will depend on your soil and climatic conditions. For example, raspberries require excellent drainage and are best planted on sandy loam soils that have a gravelly base. Cranberries and blueberries prefer an acid soil and are often grown on peat-based land. Climate and micro-climate are very important considerations. For example, some parts of the interior are too cold to grow any but the most hardy varieties of raspberries.
[ back to top ]
Where can I find production information?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands publishes the "Berry Production Guide for Commercial Growers". The order form for the latest edition and excerpts from the guide are available at http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/berries/prod_guide.htm. The InfoBasket site that you are using lists production information from other sources in Section A: Production and Processing.
[ back to top ]
Are there any marketing regulations for berry crops?
Some berry crops are subject to marketing regulations. Strawberries for processing are regulated by the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission. The Commission mediates contract negotiations between the Fraser Valley strawberry growers and processors, produces contract documents, oversees completion of all contracts including conciliating individual disputes.
The BC Cranberry Marketing Board is authorized to regulate transportation, processing, packing, sorting and marketing of cranberries.
Raspberries and blueberries are not regulated crops, but the Raspberry Industry Development Council and BC Blueberry Council have authority to collect a levy from product shipped to fresh packers and processors. These organizations promote products and fund various research and education programs.
None of the other berry crops are affected by marketing regulations.
[ back to top ]
Where can I get planting stock?
The factsheet, Resources for Berry Growers [PDF] lists berry plant nurseries and suppliers. It is critical to purchase only healthy, high quality planting stock of a recommended variety. Purchase certified stock if available. Recommended varieties of major berry crops are listed in the [ back to top ]
How can I market my produce?
Berries may be sold to processors, fresh market packers, retail produce stores or direct to the consumer at farm stands, farmers markets and pick-your-own operations. You should develop a marketing plan and line up potential buyers before planting a crop.
[ back to top ]
Where can I find information on obtaining farm labour?
The Agriculture Labour Pool recruitment service registers people who are seeking employment in the agricultural sector, from entry level to experienced agricultural workers or professionals.
A list of licensed farm labour contractors is available at http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/flclist.htm
[ back to top ]
Where can I find cost of production information?
The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lnads has developed "Planning for Profit" enterprise budgets for some berry crops. The budgets are located at http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/busmgmt/budgets/berries.htm. The budgets are meant to be examples only, and growers should calculate their own costs, using the budgets as a guide.
[ back to top ]
Where can I find the current prices of berries?
Prices are determined by the market forces of supply and demand and can vary dramatically through the season and from year to year. Processing strawberry prices are collectively negotiated each year. Prices are available from the Fraser Valley Strawberry Growers Association. For other processing berries, price will vary from packer to packer depending on the market situation. Fresh market berry prices will also vary with the buyer and can be quite volatile. Prices for farm direct sales are usually less volatile but are influenced by local supplies and competition.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada sponsors "InfoHort", a web site that lists wholesale produce prices for major cities in Canada. This site is located at http://infohort.agr.gc.ca/index.cfm. Select "Wholesale Prices" and then click on "Weekly Wholesale Price Reports". Select weekly, monthly or annual price information. From the "Market" drop down menu, select Vancouver (for BC wholesale prices) and select the date and commodity. Click on "Display Report" to receive your customized report on prices.
You may also wish to estimate the landed price of American produce that comes across the border, to give you a baseline price for local produce. The Agricultural Marketing Service of the US Department of Agriculture posts the US prices. They are located at http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/mncs/index.htm.
[ back to top ]
| Top | Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy | Feedback |