New Brunswick apple growers are to bring in and plant 40 hectares of apple trees in an attempt to boost the apple industry.

Andrew Lovell, chair of the Apple Growers of New Brunswick, said the trees, from a new nursery in Ontario, will eventually cover a total of 404 hectares. He said the strategic plan could create about 200 jobs and allow apple growers in New Brunswick to partner with new markets in the United States and Europe.

"Farmers want to contribute to our economy and not be viewed as anything less than responsible business people," said Lovell, who is the owner and operator of River View Orchards on Keswick Ridge.

"This will increase [farmers ] revenue and well do a better job at managing the farm," he said. "We are tied to this land and our local economies."

Lovell expects 20,000 trees to be planted in the Mactaquac and Keswick Ridge areas.