Growers of two new apple varieties are receiving funds from the Buy Local program to help promote the apples.
The Salish apple and the Aurora Golden Gala apple were both developed at the Pacific Agri-food Research Centre in Summerland and launched in 2012.
The Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation is receiving $25,000 to assist in promoting awareness for the Born in B.C. Raised in the Okanagan brand and the two apples.
“Being from the Okanagan there is always a sense of pride when I see our local, high-quality fruits being shared with the rest of B.C. and the world,” said John Kingsmill, general manager and CEO of the plant improvement corporation. “With an estimated $54 million in farm gate sales in 2012, the British Columbia apple industry has much to celebrate and I congratulate PICO on receiving this funding.”
The money will also go to educate fruit growers and retailers about the brand.
The Salish apple is a medium sized apple with a pinkish red blush per a yellow background. Its flavour is described as tangy, juicy and very crisp.
The Aurora Golden Gala is a mid-season yellow dessert apple. Its flavour is described as light with honey and tropical notes.