A new $70.5 million replant program was announced March 13 at the BC Wine Insight conference in Penticton by Premier David Eby and BC Agriculture and Food Minister Pam Alexis. The program will see about $65 million disbursed to farmers net of IAF administrative expenses, with $18 million for berries, $23 million for grapes and …
BC Fruit Growers Association
Apple industry eyes orderly marketing plan
KELOWNA – Apple growers could decide whether or not a marketing commission will be developed for their sector as early as April, following a series of public meetings in January. More than 200 growers attended information sessions held January 8-10 in Vernon, Kelowna, Summerland, Oliver and Cawston as well as online, and a summary report …
SIR appoints new GM
Michelle Cook has been appointed general manager of the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program (SIR) following a February 9 meeting of SIR’s board. She will officially take the helm of the organization when current GM Melissa Tesche formally succeeds Glen Lucas as general manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association in early March. Cook joined …
Orchardists seek frost assistance
BC fruit growers are asking the province to step up and provide financial support following the devastating frost event earlier this month. Temperatures across the Southern Interior dipped towards -30° Celsius between January 11 and 13, leading to widespread concern for the 2024 crop following depressed market pricing in 2023 for both apples and cherries. …
Tesche to lead fruit growers
Melissa Tesche has been chosen to succeed Glen Lucas as general manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association. Lucas retires March 4, after a 25-year career in the industry. “We are happy to welcome Melissa to the team,” says BCFGA president Peter Simonsen. Lucas will support Tesche as she transitions into the new role and …
Cherry growers weigh trade complaint
BC cherry growers took a beating on price last season as cheap California and Washington fruit flooded the market. But whether or not the industry seeks an anti-dumping order is up in the air, with greater investment in domestic marketing possibly yielding greater benefits. “Prices really crashed last July,” explains BC Fruit Growers Association general …