Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/481870
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER APRIL 1, 2015 13 from the grower and get to know the producer and the product more intimately, we feel their under- standing and support would be even greater. In fact, we have several growers who plan to pursue Arctic apple market introduction in this very manner. Q : Will Arctic apples be offered to growers outside the United States? A : To date, besides the U.S., we have only applied for Arctic apple approval in Canada. As a small, grower-led company, we must remain focused on the United States and Canada in the short term. Other countries may come into consideration at a later date as we have had inquiries from around the globe wanting us to pursue approval in countries outside of North America. Q : What kind of growers have shown the most interest, those who might grow large blocks or those who might want just a few? A : Interest in Arctic apples comes from all sectors of the apple supply chain, including small to large growers. We've heard from retailers wanting sam- ples, fresh-cut operators wanting to try Arctic apples in their operations, and from consumers and hobby orchardists who just think Arctic apples are cool and would love one or two trees for themselves! Q : Who are your investors, how much have they invested, and when do they expect a payback? A : We have around 40 individual shareholders, many from the agriculture and tree fruit indus- tries. We are fortunate that many have a great deal of industry experience and are patient enough to realize that our strategy is, and has been, a long-term one. Q : What other traits are you working on and in what fruits? A : Our small team must stay quite focused on ensuring the successful market introduction of Arctic apples in the short term, though we do have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline including apples resistant to fire blight, apple scab, and apple scald. We also know we can silence browning in other tree fruits. Q : How will OSF's purchase by Intrexon affect plans to commercialize the Arctic varieties? A : Okanagan Specialty Fruits' commercialization plans remain unchanged, as does the company's leadership, commitment to transparency, open com- munication, and mission to develop value-added tree fruit varieties. Arctic apples will remain OSF's flagship product and central focus in the near-term. • Arctic Golden OKANAGAN SPECIALTY FRUITS Fortunately, so are our crop insurance agents. Like everyone else at Northwest Farm Credit Services, our crop insurance agents live and breathe agriculture. They're immersed in it every day. That's a tremendous advantage when you consider the nature of complex, ever-changing insurance programs. Fact is, risks abound – from adverse weather to a drop in market prices – and you need an insurance partner with expertise, knowledge and commitment, every step of the way. Give us a call today. Your only risk is waiting. nor thwestfcs.com | 800.743.2125 THE ARE GREAT PERILS Josh Benson Insurance Agent This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.