McGinnis Berry Crops is involved in research in three main areas: variety evaluation and selection; production trials; and food products research. Variety evaluation is an on-going process.

By developing and maintaining excellent long-term relationships with the world's best breeder programs and researchers, McGinnis Berry Crops can ensure our customers have access to the varieties best suited to their unique environmental conditions. MBC is also well advanced in our own breeding program which is designed to develop new White Pine Rust resistant varieties, to develop unique flavour profiles and to improve on the biochemical attributes of black currant fruit.

There is still much to learn about commercial production of black currants. Even in Europe where annual production is close to 600 million pounds, research is being conducted on plant fertility, pruning methods, and other cultural practices. Some of these trials will need to be duplicated within a North American context while other unique trials are taking place. MBC is conducting some of these trials, while cooperating on others. Increased understanding of post-harvest handling, economic analysis of production, variety selection, and biochemical analysis of fruit are parts this research process.

Facilitating demand for black currants will be dependent on the development of high quality consumer products. Central to this is a better understanding of the biochemical attributes of black currants and the factors that effect these attributes. End-product formulations and product prototypes will be needed to take the industry to the next level. McGinnis Berry Crops is committed to supporting and taking part in these activities.

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Industries don't develop without the concerted effort of all stakeholders. In order for domestic production of black currants to take hold in North America, significant investments of time and resources must be made. The North American Black Currant Growers Association is responsible for the development of this industry. In addition to being members of this organization, MBC has been working on organizational research, on cooperatives and privately held firms. MBC plans to partner in the development of such entities. The mandate of these groups is to add value to black currant production, as well as limiting the negative effects of internal and international competition.

For more information on the North American Black Currant Growers Association, the black currant industry, or grower's organizations in North America, please fill out an inquiry form.

McGinnis Berry Crops is committed to being able to respond to the unique needs of our clients and their customers. We have developed a number of products and services to best suit these needs. "Field Grown Plants -- Early Summer"

Bare-Root Plants Ideally suited to quickly establish plantations, our one-year-old plants are available for shipping from early fall to early spring. The exceptional size and quality of our one-year old plants are not just a result of favorable climatic conditions, but also superior production technology. High plant quality results in a number of benefits to the grower. In almost all cases, the economic returns are higher with these plants because of the advancement of crop maturity by one year (versus cuttings & plugs). Plants destined for commercial growers will be pruned before shipping to allow for quicker establishment as well as lower transportation costs.

"modern digging equipment helps retain strong roots"

In some cases hardwood cuttings may be preferred in order to make planting more efficient and reduce up-front capital outlay. Each cutting is approximately 8" long to allow for higher success rates. Cuttings may not be suitable for all varieties or in all regions.

Head-Start Plugs Head-Start plugs have a number of benefits. They may help reduce installation costs due to the possibility of machine planting. . In addition, they can be shipped well into the growing season. The ability to ship these plants later into the year can help overcome potential shipping/planting coordination problems. Because Head-start plugs are shipped in the growing medium, they are less susceptible to damage during transport and planting. Each plant has an 8 inch soil plug and between 6 to 10 inches of top-growth.

Virus Certification Program MBC is in the process of establishing a virus certification program. The purpose of this program is to provide our consumers with added peace of mind with regards to plant quality/health. The economic consequences of purchasing infected plant material far outweigh any potential cost savings. In the past, our plants have been grown under the conditions required by certification. This program is a formalization of our commitment to supply virus free plants. By 2002 all newly released varieties, as well as existing varieties of commercial significance will be certified virus-free.

"Isolation room inside screen house - Nuclear Stock"

MBC Ribes Growers' Guide

The Ribes Growers' Guide is an example of our commitment to the education of our customers about currant and gooseberry production. The guide provides variety descriptions, as well as in-depth cultural information. Every year the guide will be expanded in response to suggestions or requests from our customers. To order a copy of the guide please click here.

Information Dissemination/Post-Purchase Support

Commitment to grower education goes beyond the production of the guide. As commercial and consumer utilization of ribes varieties increases, the need for timely and accurate information will rise as well. We feel it is our role to provide up to-date information about plant-care, commercial production, and industry development, to people taking part in the industry. Our success depends on the industry's success. If you have specific information needs, or a question not covered by the Growers' Guide -- please contact us.

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