BC potato growers are breathing a sigh of relief following a Health Canada decision last week allowing the continued use of clothianidin and thiamethoxam for seed treatments. The two are neonicotinoids, which have come under fire for their negative effects on pollinators and other beneficial insects. The two have proven effective against key pests of …
CROPS
BCTF warehouse listed
BC Tree Fruits is moving ahead with the consolidation of facilities and the disposition of surplus assets as it continues to strengthen its financial position. The co-op listed its Kelowna warehouse at 858 Ellis Street with Kelowna brokerage HM Commercial for $20 million on April 1. “Roanoke no longer fits our portfolio,” says BC Tree …
Solanki heads cranberry commission
The BC Cranberry Marketing Commission has a new chair. Jack Brown has stepped down as chair, handing the reins to Kalpna Solanki, who said she has “big shoes to fill” when her appointment was announced at the commission’s annual general meeting March 3. The change is effective today (March 10). Solanki is CEO of the …
Government steps in to help tree fruit industry
The province is stepping in to assist BC’s struggling tree fruit growers. “Our government is committed to the lasting sustainability of the tree fruit industry,” BC agriculture minister Lana Popham told the annual general meeting of the BC Fruit Growers Association, February 25. “That commitment means working with you going forward on a new tree …
Cherry growers continue to focus on export markets
KELOWNA – Export markets for BC cherries remain a priority for the BC Cherry Association, which held its annual general meeting February 18-19 via videoconference. During the two morning sessions, association president Sukhpaul Bal highlighted the trade mission to India early last year which helped drive a 1,200% increase in the value of BC cherry …
Blueberry growers dodge US complaint
BC’s several hundred blueberry farmers are relieved and elated after the US International Trade Commission announced that blueberry imports cause no harm to American growers. The commission launched an investigation into global blueberry imports in response to a complaint filed in September by former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer following a report on produce imports jointly authored …