 The centre was first established as the Kentville Research Centre by the Canadian federal government in 1911 on request by the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association.During the early 20th century, Nova Scotia's 2.5 million apple trees were the major supplier of apples to England and the association requested assistance to help expand commercial production to meet demand.In 1912 William Saxby Blair was appointed the centre's first Superintendent, and research began on breeding new fruit varieties, experimenting with planting and harvesting methods, and improving pest and disease resistance.