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 …
Glen Lucas
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 …
Gala honours agricultural leaders
A crowd of more than 400 guests gathered at the Clarion Hotel in Abbotsford on January 24 for fellowship, fundraising and celebrating some of BC’s agricultural leaders. The annual BC Agriculture Council gala welcomed dignitaries including Premier David Eby and his BC United counterpart Kevin Falcon, as well as provincial agriculture minister Pam Alexis and …
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 …
Apple crop down, quality up
BC’s apple harvest is in full swing, and early estimates indicate a slightly smaller crop but high-quality fruit. Overall production is expected to be down about 10% this year, thanks in part to a 5% decline in acreage as well as weather. The growing season in the Interior started about two weeks later than usual …