Okanagan tree fruit producers are seeing some light – and heat – at the end of the tunnel as high summer reaches its peak. “We’ve been seeing what I would [call] challenging growing conditions for apples even in the Okanagan this year. It has been very cold, very dry and then very wet,” says Adrian …
Okanagan wine appellations expand
The province recently approved six new sub-geographical indications in the Okanagan Valley. “I think it’s a logical next step in the progression of looking harder at the Okanagan Valley and seeing what it has to offer north to south, east to west. A lot of people do that anyways, certainly within the industry,” says Julian …
ALC rejects Teacup appeal
An appeal by the District of Kent regarding the exclusion of 43 acres from the Agricultural Land Reserve for residential development has been rejected. A four-page decision issued June 10 by the Agricultural Land Commission states that the district’s request did not meet the criteria for triggering a reconsideration, and that, “in any event, is …
Slocan market garden finds its sweet spot
WINLAW – Good management and a commitment to making nutritious, ecologically grown food accessible to their community have made Ravine Creek Farm a model for market gardeners in the region. The 10-acre vegetable farm in the Slocan Valley is the sole source of income for Alys Ford, Eric Struxness and their two children, and has …
Hog farm invaders convicted
Two leaders of a high-profile farm invasion in April 2019 have been convicted on charges of break-and-enter and mischief. Amy Soranno and Nick Schafer opted for trial by jury in the hope of better pleading their case and shining a light on farming practices in the province. But after a short trial, the jury ended …
Weather heightens wildfire risk
A cool, wet spring has put a damper on this year’s wildfire season, but the north of the province isn’t out of the woods yet. The province recorded 217 wildfires between April 1 and July 4, or about half the historical average for the period. The area burned is less than a tenth of the …