Melissa Tesche has been chosen to succeed Glen Lucas as general manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association. Lucas retires March 4, after a 25-year career in the industry. “We are happy to welcome Melissa to the team,” says BCFGA president Peter Simonsen. Lucas will support Tesche as she transitions into the new role and …
CROPS
New low for ice wine
A combination of winter damage and warm weather has resulted in a record low ice wine harvest this winter. Just four wineries registered their intention to pick grapes for ice wine with the BC Wine Authority last fall, but by the time temperatures allowed for the harvest, just three proceeded. A total of 12 tonnes …
Potato harvest up 10%
BC’s potato crop was up 10% in 2023, according to the latest estimate from United Potato Growers of Canada. With few acres abandoned and ideal conditions through the growing season, BC is estimated to have harvested nearly 1.8 million hundredweight (cwt), or 87,950 tons. “It was the perfect year, really,” Heather Meberg, owner of ES …
Cherry growers weigh trade complaint
BC cherry growers took a beating on price last season as cheap California and Washington fruit flooded the market. But whether or not the industry seeks an anti-dumping order is up in the air, with greater investment in domestic marketing possibly yielding greater benefits. “Prices really crashed last July,” explains BC Fruit Growers Association general …
Hazelnuts are an opportunity for Kootenay growers
ERICKSON – Hazelnut production was the focus of a field day Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors organized September 30 at two Creston Valley farms. Led by BC Hazelnut Growers Association president Zachary Fleming, approximately 15 participants from around the Kootenays saw both a fledgling planting barely two years old and an established farm in production …
BC pumpkins weigh in
From the Kootenays to the Fraser Valley and as far away as California, BC pumpkins have impressed crowds with their colour and size. At Top Crop Garden Farm and Pet in Cranbrook, 2,300 people turned out on a rainy September 30 to see who grew this year’s largest pumpkin. “People came out in droves, rain …