An inflow of Arctic air pushed temperatures in Kelowna towards levels needed for ice wine this week, just as the deadline for producers to register their intention to make the sweet beverage approached. Temperatures approached -7° Celsius as midnight approached on November 7, a degree away from the -8° C that frozen grapes must reach …
CROPS
Peace producers engage in on-farm research
DAWSON CREEK – The Peace Region is conducting climate change adaptation research, thanks to federal funding. The area received nearly $6 million in funding through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Lab program to develop best management practices that solve climate change challenges. “I find the Peace Region is often forgotten about …
Dry fall, wet winter ahead
A long, dry fall may be just what many growers caught out by the late spring wanted, but the warm, sunny weather prompted provincial authorities to raise the drought rating in many parts of the province to the highest level last week. The Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Western Vancouver Island are all now at …
Average crop for BC cranberries
BC’s cranberry harvest kicked off September 23 with Lower Mainland growers harvesting the first of this year’s crop. “Harvest is on target with quality and quantity,” says Kalpna Solanki, chair of the BC Cranberry Marketing Commission. The commission reports that a cool, wet spring delayed this year’s harvest by more than a week. The harvest …
Market garden makes a wise transition
KELOWNA – Of all the challenges farmers face – from unpredictable weather to finding workers – one of the greatest often occurs when it’s time to transition the farm. Whether a farm is passed to a family member, sold to an outside buyer or placed on the auction block, planning an exit strategy should begin …
Strong growth for organics
A new report by the Canadian Organic Trade Association pegs the value of the BC organic food and beverage market at $508.1 million in 2020, a 54% increase from $329.2 million in 2017. “Organic producers can be proud of participating in a growing sector, particularly when agriculture has faced many challenges in recent years,” Organic …