This week saw the selection of two new entrants to the BC egg sector, diversifying the production of eggs beyond the Fraser Valley. Approximately 31 of the province’s 154 registered egg producers are located outside the Fraser Valley. But with the selection of Mitch and Breanne Baker of Cawston and Tim Traber of Quesnel in …
New fruit co-op discussed
The BC Fruit Growers Association (BCFGA) coordinated a meeting of former BC Tree Fruits Cooperative (BCTFC) growers September 10 to discuss the prospect of maintaining a co-operative packinghouse for the sector. BC Tree Fruits shut its doors on July 26, leaving 290 grower families with nowhere to sell their fruit. “A number of former BCTFC …
BC rancher brings home esteemed leadership award
Vernon’s Cassie Marchand is the second recipient of the Reg Schellenberg Next Generation Legacy Award. “It’s very special for sure; having that recognition to be a leader in the industry. I honestly don’t think of myself in that light,” says Marchand, the fourth generation on the Clifton Ranch. “I always try to get information and …
Co-op closure leaves growers in the lurch
OLIVER – On July 3, Osoyoos cherry grower Ranjit Dhillon delivered the last of his cherries to the BC Tree Fruits Co-op in Oliver. “We were really optimistic; it was our best year yet,” Dhillon says. “We did not suffer any winter damage; we had a full crop. We shipped 108,800 lbs of cherries total.” …
Cherry growers pan inadequate replant funding
KELOWNA – This is anything but a normal season for BC cherry growers, which is saying something after successive years of record payouts from the province’s AgriStability and Production Insurance programs. “With the combined damage from the winter deep freeze and frost at bloom time, I don’t have any fruit at all,” says Sukhpaul Bal, …
Co-op assets on the block
BC Supreme Court approved an order August 26 for the sale of assets held by BC Tree Fruits Co-operative as the packinghouse seeks the monies needed to satisfy its creditors. A sale and investment solicitation process (SISP) initiated while the co-op is protected from the claims of creditors has invited bids for the co-op as …