Summerland Research and Development Centre

The Summerland Research and Development Centre (Summerland RDC) was established in 1914 in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. It is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. 

Areas of Research

Research at the Summerland RDC addresses the mitigation of environmental pressures, control of biological threats and integration of sustainable production and processing systems for the delivery of high quality, value-added horticultural and agri-food products. Research activities focus on high value horticultural crops, particularly wine grapes and tree fruits, and the development of environmentally and economically sustainable methodologies and strategies to ensure the success of our agricultural industries locally, nationally and internationally.

Summerland RDC is one of seven sites where field trials on potential pest management tools and technology trials are conducted for AAFC’s Minor Use Pesticides Program. The centre also houses the Canadian National Collection of Plant Viruses.

Search Research projects from the Summerland Research and Development Centre to learn more about what we do.

Sector Needs

The Summerland RDC carries out innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities in support of the AAFC's Strategic Plan for Science, which includes:

• Horticulture

Summerland RDC develops new sweet cherry and apple cultivars, conducts research on insect ecology and management, and disease epidemiology, management and host-pathogen relationships. This research enables the development of sustainable management strategies for insect pests, field and post-harvest diseases as well as emerging insect and disease pests of tree fruit and grape.

• Agro-ecosystem resilience

Research focuses on soil, water and nutrient management and development of management practices for tree fruit and wine grapes. The development of models for climate, land and water resources, and crop suitability supports National Climate Change Adaptation strategies.

• Biodiversity and bioresources

The Canadian Plant Virus Collection acquires and distributes plant viruses for research and regulatory purposes and supports development of diagnostic tests to manage viral diseases of plants. Research also includes identifying species and enhancing our understanding of plant viruses.

• Agri-food

The food microbiology program addresses contamination of fresh produce and sprouts with food-borne illness pathogens, in particular leafy greens and E. coli. Novel attributes of fresh produce that are associated with health are identified. Post-harvest research helps maintain the quality of apples and sweet cherries during storage to provide enhanced market opportunities and food security for these products.

Meet our Scientists

Find out more about the scientists at Summerland Research and Development Centre through their profiles below.

You can also visit the Fields of Science campaign featuring 11 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists from coast to coast. Discover why they chose to pursue a career in agriculture and learn more about their research.