News about Canada

Record cherry season in British Columbia: 2025 marks a major comeback

Production

03 Jul 2025

British Columbia cherry growers are celebrating their first full crop since 2018, promising record-breaking volumes. With ideal weather, a longer sales window, and growing demand, this 2025 season positions Canada as a key player in the global cherry export market.

New insights into viruses and bacteria in Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

03 Jul 2025

A research study in Canada and Germany uncovers the wide viral diversity in Drosophila suzukii and investigates the potential antiviral effects of the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, with key implications for biological control strategies in berry and cherry crops.

Jealous Fruits forecasts promising 2025 cherry season in Canada

Production

30 Jun 2025

Jealous Fruits forecasts an excellent 2025 cherry season in British Columbia: harvest begins in July with premium varieties like Regina, Sovereign, and Kordia. A 30–35% increase in late-season production is expected thanks to ideal growing conditions throughout the season.

Staccato Cherry: patent reinstated in the US, new phase for plant variety rights

Varieties

26 Jun 2025

A US District Court has reinstated the Staccato Cherry patent, reigniting the legal conflict between Canada and the USA. This development raises crucial issues about plant variety protection, breeder rights, and the future of agricultural intellectual property.

British Columbia cherries: 2025 season promises quality and passion

Markets

28 May 2025

In British Columbia, the 2025 cherry season is shaping up to be exceptional: harvest from mid-June to August, Canadian Cherry Month, and “I Farm For” stories showcasing growers. A vibrant year of flavour, community, identity, and proud Canadian agricultural tradition.

British Columbia cherries: 2025 shaping up to be a record season with strong export demand

Production

27 May 2025

Following 2024’s production collapse, the 2025 cherry season in British Columbia is expected to be historic: 5 million cartons forecast, outstanding fruit quality, rising domestic support, and strong international demand from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Staccato cherry case: Canada-USA dispute reshapes plant patent rights in agriculture

Varieties

04 Apr 2025

The Staccato™ cherry dispute between Canada and the USA is redefining plant patent protection in agriculture. A legal battle over late-season cherries highlights key IP strategies for breeders. Discover 3 lessons to safeguard innovative fruit varieties.

Varietal innovation, patents and brand strategies, the winning trio for the modern cherry industry

Varieties

30 Jan 2025

For an in-depth look at the topics of varietal innovation and modern commercial development strategies for new cherry varieties, Stefano Lugli of Cherry Times interviewed James Calissi, owner of Calissi Farm, a company specialising in nursery and management of new varieties.

Dry matter as an indicator of sweet cherry maturity and quality

Post-harvest​

29 Jan 2025

A study utilized the CTIFL color scale to classify cherries into three maturity levels analyzing the fruit both before and after a 28-day storage period. Cherries with optimal dry matter levels exhibit lower respiration rates, which helps maintain flavor during storage.

Success on local markets for new prairie cherry varieties from the Saskatchewan University

Varieties

04 Nov 2024

The cherries are the result of crosses between European varieties, which are sweeter and have dark red skin and flesh, and Central Asian varieties, selected for their winter hardiness. "They sell like hotcakes at farmers' markets in the Canadian province."