Several fruit producers in Chatham-Kent are benefitting from a partnership between the provincial and federal governments.
Manitree Fruit Farm, Delhaven Orchards, and Smith Girls are each getting funding through the Growing Future Opportunities Initiative.
A total of $4.4 million is being allocated by the two levels of government so producers can replace hundreds of acres of apples, tender fruits, and grapes with fruit that's more appealing, lasts longer, and is restistant to pests and diseases.
Delhaven Orchards is getting nearly $13,000 to replace apples and over $8,000 to replace peaches and pears.
"We got some varieties that are quite old and we're replacing them with new varieties," said Hector Delanghe, owner of Delhaven Orchards.
He noted the new pears they'll be planting will be resitant to fire blight, a contagious disease which in some cases can destroy entire orchards.
Delanghe also said it would have been very hard to do this without the funding as it takes away the financial risk of the new fruit struggling to grow or sell.
"It might work good for you on your farm but might not work for me on my farm," he added.
Some of the new fruit has already been planted with the orchard expecting the rest of the nursery stock to arrive next spring.
Manitree Fruit Farm is set to receive $50,000 through the initiative with Smith Girls getting over $40,000.
