PENTICTON — The BC Grapegrowers Association’s fifth annual Viticulturist of the Year award has gone to an industry veteran from a commercial winery. “The Viticulturist of the Year award recognizes those in our industry who strive to grow the very best grapes,” BCGA president John Bayley says. “Vineyard management, environmental stewardship, equipment, human resources, peer …
CROPS
Lake Country packing house sold
BC Tree Fruit Co-op has sold its Lake Country packing house as part of its long-term plan to consolidate operations. The sale, to an undisclosed buyer, closed on August 31, 2023 for $15.8 million. “This was a planned sale as part of the cooperative’s consolidation plan that began in August of 2022,” says Laurel Van …
Corn rootworm hits Okanagan
A pest that infested Fraser Valley corn fields in 2017 has made an appearance in the North Okanagan. The BC Dairy Association recently alerted members to the discovery of Western corn rootworm on farms in Armstrong, Enderby and Salmon Arm by a seed industry representative in August. The province is following up to determine the …
Island couple future-proof new farm operation
COURTENAY – First generation farmers Matt and Selena Lawrence knew they wanted an acreage and to raise their family on a farm, but securing land and water for a large-scale operation in the Comox Valley was not in the cards. However, after creating a viable farm business model, the couple were able to secure a …
BC Tree CEO on leave
BC Tree Fruits Cooperative CEO Warren Sarafinchan took an extended leave of absence, effective August 5, following a battle with COVID-19 and the toll four years of transformation at the co-op has taken. “This decision comes as he focuses on recovering from COVID and takes some much-needed time to rest with his family,” co-op chair …
Water infrastructure, food security
Water infrastructure for agriculture is the final tranche of the $200 million funding package announced March 7 to support food security in BC. “Access to water is crucial for food production and ensuring we have sustainable, resilient local food systems,” said BC agriculture minister Pam Alexis in a statement announcing the funding June 27. “The …