The historic test orchard launched by the BC Fruit Growers Association in 1981 has hit the market.
The 87-acre property, listed with Marnie Perrier of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, includes 20 acres of orchard, 18 acres of fallow land planted to rye and seven acres of flat land suitable for development with a “world class winery, accommodation, production facility and or a family estate.” A water licence is in place giving rights to 173,880 cubic metres of irrigation water for 39 acres.
The property also features a 2,120-square-foot residence built in 2019 and manufactured home, as well as an agri-tourism allowance for 10 sleeping units.
The list price is just short of $14 million.
Officially opened on August 20, 1981, the property was originally Crown land secured from the provincial government through a lease-purchase agreement signed in 1980.
Planting took place the following spring and delivered significant benefits to association members over the next four decades, according to former BCFGA general manager Glen Lucas.
However, members voted to sell the property at the association’s annual meeting last year. The decision was reiterated at the 2024 annual meeting.
The listing went live on December 12. Originally set up through the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Test Orchard Ltd., the listing says a share sale is preferred versus a title transfer.
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