A series of public engagement sessions are giving BC Tree Fruits Co-op members an opportunity to comment on plans to consolidate packing operations in Oliver and sell off assets in Kelowna and Lake Country. An in-person meeting takes place in Oliver today, with a second session set to take place in Kelowna in the days …
BCTF
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, …
Guaranteed returns for apples
More revenue for more growers is how BC Tree Fruits Cooperative is framing the launch of a three-year program that will guarantee growers a minimum return on their apples. “The Cooperative is expanding on a program launched in 2020 by providing minimum payment guarantees to growers on a wide range of varieties, grades, and sizes …
BC Tree Fruit sells another property
A diligent divestment strategy has seen BC Tree Fruits Cooperative sell close to $40 million in real estate since 2020. The latest deal saw the co-op sell its warehouse at 858 Ellis Street to Mission Group, a development company based in Kelowna, for $23.8 million. The sale was announced in mid-December, nearly eight months after …
Province sets agenda for tree fruit future
KELOWNA – The province released 19 recommendations on November 12 outlining a plan to stabilize BC’s troubled tree fruit sector, the culmination of a nine-month process launched in February at the annual convention of the BC Fruit Growers Association. “BCFGA is supportive and observe that the government recommendations have taken account of difficult times in …
Apple marketing commission proposed
An online forum tonight will discuss a proposal to form an apple marketing commission, similar to what exists for vegetables and cranberries, to improve grower returns. A survey of 21 growers earlier this year by Vancouver consulting firm Ference & Co. for the New Tree Fruit Varieties Development Council, found that 81% were in favour …