are, at any time, via their phone or e- mail devices.


They use the same system for


operating the greenhouse and irrigation systems, saving on labour costs and improving efficiency. As well as packing and shipping, they also sell fruit on-farm at the fruit stand, and offer u-pick opportunities. The partnership has proven to be a good fit so far. “We cover each other’s weaknesses and have great relationships with some great people,” they say. Many of their friends are all- stars in their markets as well. “We’ve dabbled at everything, but now we need to focus on helping the greater community. We’re committed to a portion of our profits going to charity,” notes Newton.


JUDIE STEEVES Blueberries ready for packing at NRK Sahota Farm in Pitt Meadows.


Canuck Place children’s hospice, with $2 from the sale of every box going to help youngsters with cancer and their families.


“Our philosophy is to give back locally, just as we sell,” explains Ricki. It’s an online program that allows a company to register, using marketing material they provide, to invite employees to buy the blueberries. They promise the berries will be delivered— farm to office—within 72 hours of being picked.


“It helps B.C. kids and their families, and it’s a perfect fit with our philosophy of selling local, and consumers’ desire to buy local,” he explains. They would prefer to keep shipping costs and their carbon footprint minimal, which also helps ensure high quality fruit reaches each customer, so they only sell within the Lower Mainland at present.


That may grow to include Vancouver Island and the Interior, but they don’t envision an international business. However, they do envision an expansion of their current


computerized packing plant as well as an increase from the million or so pounds of blueberries they will harvest this year, to three million in five years. And a move into a greenhouse project.


That is Newton’s baby, and would involve net zero energy use, using solar power, growing herbs and lettuce year- round, using not only organic, but biodynamic practices, in conjunction with Organic Lives, a raw food restaurant and store.


He has also been experimenting with


value-added berry products such as a blueberry chutney, and is working on a dried blueberry product which would contain all the nutritional benefits of fresh, and be without added sugar, so it would be suitable for diabetics, and healthier than sugar-infused dried berries.


Both feel strongly about the importance of protecting the environment. They have reduced the sprays they use by 25 per cent and would like to move to organic. They grow just three varieties of blueberries—the early-ripening Duke, mid-season Bluecrop and later Elliots, providing them with fruit from July through September.


Dropping prices have led them to look around for different opportunities. Last year there was a bumper crop, but it followed a year when a lot of fruit was processed and frozen because the season started late, and a month and a half of berries ripened in three weeks. This year, the frozen fruit is all sold. The season opened on time and has been very consistent, so everything has been sold as it ripened and was picked. However, ultimately, they would prefer not to have to rely on the fresh market, but on value-added berry products, so there’s a more stable income, less dependent on the vagaries of the weather.


The brothers believe they have the only Confirmed Automation System in B.C. in their packing operation, a simple-to-use setup that doesn’t require a computer science graduate to operate, but which allows them to know what’s happening anywhere they


10 British Columbia Berry Grower • Fall 2010


Eventually, their goal is to be able to step back and let the system run on its own.


Last year, they were chosen as the runner-up for the Outstanding Young Farmer award, and they were also nominated as Outstanding Young Business.


But, at the age of 33, their goal is to become one of Canada’s top 40 under 40, an honour awarded to leaders in various fields.


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