Research projects are being developed to address breeding and selection of superior cultivars as well as processing needs. Producers need to work together to establish a regional berry association that will entitle them access to government funding for research and development of a viable chokecherry industry or utilize the resources of the PFGA to reach the same goals. There are many commercial processors in the prairies willing to buy chokecherry fruit. The demand for fruit is currently greater than can be supplied. Economic Considerations Chokecherries do not begin producing until their third or fourth year so fruit production is a long-term commitment.
Yield gradually increases after the fourth year.
At maturity, yield is estimated at 15,000 lb of fruit per acre or higher and yield appears fairly consistent eight to nine years out of 10. Early orchards were difficult to establish because of limited plant material and a lack of different cultivars. As interest grows in this crop, nurseries are making larger quantities of plants available and offering a larger selection of chokecherry cultivars. This has also resulted in a decrease in the price of the plants. As with any other small fruit operation, it is important to consider the distance to large population bases for a market as well as for labour.