Yellowknife, N.W.T. - An Ecology North study analyzing the business case for growing berries is wrapping up, but as part of the project they are setting up a demonstration orchard in Yellowknife this summer.

Ecology North consultant Dwayne Wohlgemuth said berries are a very feasible food product that can be grown here, but the main barriers to commercial berry growing are soil quality and land prices.

"If you don't have to buy the land, and if you don't have to import a whole lot of soil, as long as you can find a patch of land that has a bit of soil and is suitable, then it makes sense."

In terms of the types of berries, Wohlgemuth said raspberries seem to be the most feasible.

"Basically of all the berries we looked at, raspberries are the most expensive, the ones that have proven themselves the most up here, and ones that have an established local market. You could sell about 1000 kg of raspberries if you were selling them through local grocery stores and restaurants. And so that would make for a pretty good sized orchard."

The demonstration orchard will be located beside the Weledeh community garden and Wohlgemuth said they hope it will encourage people to consider growing more berries in their own yards.

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