BC produced nearly 15 million pounds of raspberries last year with an average farmgate value of $1.13 a pound. Now, researchers are hoping to pin a value on specific traits — such as size, colour and flavour — to figure out which cultivars have the best chance of boosting returns to growers. “There’s a whole …
CROPS
BC cranberries get green verification
Cranberries are traditionally red and sometimes white – but this week, those grown for Ocean Spray in BC and elsewhere were verified as green. “The cooperative has received a verification that 100% of the cranberries from its farmer-owners qualify as sustainably grown using the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment,” the Massachusetts-based cooperative announced. …
Cold air hits cherries
Okanagan cherry growers are looking at a reduced crop this year after a series of cold events damaged buds. Up to 60% of buds were damaged when cold air swept into the South Okanagan on April 2. “I saw a low of -8°C in Summerland, and South Okanagan orchards were close to green tip,” says …
Strawberry levies increase
BC Strawberry Growers Association members unanimously agreed to increase the per-pound levy on their fruit for the first time in decades during an April 9 conference call. Growers couldn’t attend their annual general meeting in person this year, but a videoconference still allowed them to make key decisions. The levy for the coming year will …
Consumers embrace niche products
Producers have long been told that niche products are one way to avoid being reduced to commodity producers and price-takers. Now, the BC Milk Marketing Board’s scramble to align conventional milk production with consumer demand is highlighting the challenges of serving the mass market and the benefits of targeting smaller categories. The board initially announced …
Groundwater bill causes confusion for Island farmer
NORTH SAANICH – A farmer in North Saanich is questioning how the province charges farmers for groundwater after registering his well and being billed for drawing water – even though his farm is on municipal water. Hamish Crawford grows wheat, grapes and a small amount berries and eggs on his 10-acre farm north of Victoria. …