A combination of organizational management and practical farming experience has primed the new executive director of the BC Fruit Growers Association to lead the industry forward. Summerland grower Adrian Arts was named BCFGA’s executive director on April 24 following the departure of former general manager Melissa Tesche, who left to head the Okanagan Basin Water …
CROPS
Reminiscences of a honeyed career
CRANBROOK – Those involved in the art of keeping bees often mention a lifelong attraction to the insects. For BC provincial apiculturist Paul van Westendorp, a Grade 3 school trip sparked his interest. “Apparently, it made such an impression on me, I couldn’t stop talking about them for weeks,” van Westendorp told the BC Honey …
Market farm works smarter, not harder
VERNON – Silverstar Veggies, a five-year-old mixed vegetable and herb farm in Vernon, thrives on passion and innovative ideas. A former watersport and adventure sport instructor, owner Eric Feehely began farming in his native Ireland in 2010 before emigrating to BC and working for Hermann and Louise Bruns at Wild Flight Farm in Mara in …
Potato acreage declines in 2025
BC potato seeding is down this spring as producers pare acreage. The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission is reporting “a small shift out of potatoes” this spring of approximately 2%. BC growers seeded 5,900 acres last spring and harvested 5,700 acres. This spring, just under 5,800 acres will be seeded. “There has been a decrease in …
Tesche leaving BCFGA
After only a year, BC Fruit Growers Association general manager Melissa Tesche has resigned to take her “dream job” as executive director of the Okanagan Basin Water Board. “The timing is too soon,” Tesche says. “I would have loved a couple more years with the BCFGA but the opportunity is now.” Tesche joined BCFGA in …
Denman Island farmers supported
Denman Island’s Gather Farm and Kitchen is this year’s recipient of the Mary Forstbauer Grant from the BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM). The award was announced via social media on March 19, and will support owners Dennis Lightfoot and Kimberley Allan to expand their cool storage capacity. “They’ll be able to grow their winter …