the federal government, and renewal of the Tree Fruit Industry Development Fund. A program promoting the health benefits and value of


eating fresh, nutritious, high quality B.C. agricultural products was another recommendation, and one that McRae admitted the ministry is discussing; a buy local promotional program. “We’re now in a stage where the idea of buying local permeates the public consciousness. Retailers are being asked for B.C. fruits. However, while he admitted it’s not appropriate for B.C. Ferries to carry imported apples, he said changing the way such things are done is not something he can do alone. “Contact their suppliers and show them your great apples,î he advised growers. “You can’t just get up every day and run a great orchard.


You also have to be good businessmen,” he added. Okanagan fruit should also be going to overseas markets,


he said. He did support the idea of a B.C. fruit day at the B.C. legislature, similar to the B.C. beef day started two years ago.


He also said he would take the industry’s other concerns


about such issues as the PST and renewal of a replant program to his cabinet colleagues. And, he said he looks forward to the industry’s vote on an


Apple Research and Promotion Agency. That vote will not be finished for another few weeks. The full text of the industry report is available on the ministry website at: agf.gov.bc.ca/treefrt/product/ production.html


British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Spring 2012


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