A decision not to proceed with a state-of-the-art fruit packing plant in Kelowna left BC Tree Fruits Co-operative with no choice but to sell the property acquired for the purpose, says a respected grower. “After the decision to move to Oliver, the fate of the property was a done deal,” says Amarjit Singh Lalli, a co-op …
CROPS
Haskaps hold potential for northern growers
VERNON – With limited provincial resources, haskap berry producers must forge their own paths toward business viability and success through value-added products and direct-to-consumer marketing. “I didn’t want to make a mistake and pick something that’s really hard, which is kind of ironic because I ended up with something really hard,” says Indigo Valley Farm …
Veles continues with BC Veg
Natalie Veles has been reappointed as an independent commissioner with the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission. Veles was one of two independent commissioners appointed in early 2022 following a governance review that aimed for a more accountable and diverse board at the commission. Veles was selected alongside Craig Evans to serve following a competitive application process. …
New replant funding announced
A new $70.5 million replant program was announced March 13 at the BC Wine Insight conference in Penticton by Premier David Eby and BC Agriculture and Food Minister Pam Alexis. The program will see about $65 million disbursed to farmers net of IAF administrative expenses, with $18 million for berries, $23 million for grapes and …
Apple industry eyes orderly marketing plan
KELOWNA – Apple growers could decide whether or not a marketing commission will be developed for their sector as early as April, following a series of public meetings in January. More than 200 growers attended information sessions held January 8-10 in Vernon, Kelowna, Summerland, Oliver and Cawston as well as online, and a summary report …
BC Cherry holds AGM
The BC Cherry Association held its annual general meeting in Kelowna on February 23. While the industry continues to expand its access to international markets, with last year witnessing the first official exports to Korea, domestic growing conditions are a concern. “We saw damage from the freeze of late December 2022 and then 30°C spring …