Two new assistant deputy ministers are joining the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Michelle Koski is joining the province after five years as CEO of the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. “I am happy to share that I have accepted a position as assistant deputy minister with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food,” she …
BCFGA
Province funds fruit growers
Training, extension services, pest management and marketing received funding as the province allocated a further $2.5 million in support of the tree fruit sector, November 17. With the hard work of stabilizing the province’s tree fruit sector beginning in earnest, the province hopes a new certificate program at Okanagan College will give growers the training …
Apple soda breaks ground in saturated market
KELOWNA – At 28, Avi Gill recognizes the need to do things differently to keep his family’s 26-year tradition of growing Okanagan apples and cherries profitable. While production improvements are on-going and have helped increase the crops’ value, Gill has turned his attention to adding value to apples, which continue to face price challenges. Born …
Replant report targets industry over orchards
KELOWNA – The future of BC’s tree fruit replant program is no clearer following an audit of the most recent iteration than it was when the province failed to renew the program 18 months ago. The only thing that seems clear is that orchard renewal is likely to be secondary to industry renewal. “We believe …
Orchard sector pilots new job-matching website
KELOWNA – Fruit growers who employ temporary workers each summer may find a phone app being trialed this season will help fill the gap left by the retirement of long-time BC Fruit Growers Association liaison Ron Forrest. “Over the last 15 years, Ron and other BCFGA team members have welcomed, provided safety and orientation training, …
Packers say they’ll work together to fix industry
KELOWNA – A group of packers have sent a letter to BC apple growers outlining their commitment to work together and offering a number of suggestions to improve the industry. But the BC Fruit Growers Association says the suggestions are not substantial enough and will ask the province to step in. The 11-member group includes …