BC is the leader in Western Canada when it comes to organic fruit and vegetable production, with more than 3,974 acres (not including potatoes), according to Statistics Canada. This is approximately 9.3% of the national total of 42,430 acres. Revenues from organically grown fruits and vegetables (excluding potatoes) from BC farms totalled $39.8 million last …
CROPS
Blueberry plant faces COVID-19
At least 15 workers were infected with COVID-19 at Fraser Valley Packers Inc., a blueberry packing plant in Abbotsford, health officials announced on Monday. The plant is located at Short Road in Abbotsford. The investigation into the outbreak started on July 23. Teams from the Fraser Health Authority are working with the plant doing ongoing …
Wineries reopen amid COVID-19
Tweaks to public health regulations governing bars and restaurants will mean few changes for the province’s wineries. A surge in cases prompted the province’s public health officials to clamp down and ban dancing and require patrons to be seated to receive service at bars, restaurants and other licensed establishments. In addition, parties are limited to …
COVID-19 hits cherry grower
Strict protocols designed to limit the risk of community outbreaks of COVID-19 linked to migrant workers have largely succeeded in BC. But this week, the Interior Health Authority restricted access to a Krazy Cherry Fruit Co. in Oliver after two workers tested positive for COVID-19 in an outbreak linked to cases in Kelowna. A bulletin …
Fruit growers upset about labour
BC fruit growers are facing a fourth difficult year. A recent survey by the BC Fruit Growers Association indicates that more than 67% of growers plan to harvest less fruit this year as a result of COVID-19. “We were really surprised by the number,” says BCFGA general manager Glen Lucas. “It really shows the squeeze …
Top grape grower recognized
Karnail Sidhu, owner of Kalala Organic Estate Winery in West Kelowna, is the recipient of the BC Grapegrowers Association’s inaugural viticulturist of the year award. BCGA president by John Bayley presented the award to Sidhu at a small ceremony at Kalala on June 19. Bayley says the award was established, “to commend those in our …