BC farmers rang up a record $3.9 billion in farm cash receipts in 2019, a 13% increase over 2018. The difference worked out to $462 million, the majority of which came from the province’s newly legal cannabis crop. The province’s licensed cannabis growers saw sales of $361.5 million, up $300 million from 2018. This pushed …
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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 …
Higher rates for air freight
With fewer air travellers, BC fruit heading overseas this summer face reduced cargo capacity and higher freight rates. While carriers such as Air Canada have designated cargo services, many perishable products travel in the holds of regularly scheduled passenger jets. Those flights have been curtailed thanks as borders closed to fight COVID-19. Reduced air capacity …
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 …
Woodjam Ranch honoured
The Seelhof family of Woodjam Ranch in Horsefly is the recipient of the 2020 Ranch Sustainability Award from the BC Cattlemen’s Association, presented July 7 via an online ceremony. “Receiving this award means a lot to us,” says Chad Seelhof, noting the importance of the ranching community supporting one another. “It’s nice to know that …