IN THIS ISSUE SUMMER 2012


Serving the tree fruit, grape and wine industries of British Columbia, Canada


Published quarterly by OMedia Communications


Publisher and Editor Bryden Winsby bryden@omedia.ca


Horticultural Adviser and Contributing Editor


Peter Waterman peter@omedia.ca


Associate Editor


Judie Steeves judie@omedia.ca Contributors


Pat Bowen, Tracy Clark, Lyonel Doherty, Cheryl Hampson, Eugene Hogue, Sean Kuchta,


Susan McIver, Denise Neilsen, Gerry Neilsen, Scott Smith, Gary Strachan, Bill Taylor, Kevin Usher, Ray Johnson


Advertising Sales Mike Hamm


advertising@omedia.ca


Graphic Design Buddy Cole


buddy@locoldesign.com


Canada Post Publications Agreement Number 40841579 Mailing Address


Suite 515, 22-2475 Dobbin Road, West Kelowna, BC, Canada V4T 2E9


Telephone (778) 755-4355 Fax (778) 755-3820 E-mail


info@omedia.ca Website


www.omedia.ca/grower


Contents copyright 2012. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited.


PRINTED IN CANADA


13 18


22 XX-COC-XXXX On The Cover


Katelynne Katona, with artist's rendition of the new tasting lounge she will be managing at Black Hills Estate Winery, which is one of 24 operations in the newly-formed Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association. See pages 7-9.


Judie Steeves photo


features 10


REPLANT HELP JUST A START


The province has contributed $2 million, but the tree fruit industry’s struggles are expected to continue unless there is a lot more support from government and consumers.


PULLING THE VALUE CHAIN


Aurora Golden Gala has the initial focus as producers and the Okanagan Plant Improvement corporation team up for promotional effort.


LESSONS DOWN UNDER


PARC researcher Denise Nielsen finds that the experience of Australian farmers demonstrates the importance of developing a drought response plan in advance.


MUCH ADO ABOUT MICRO-OX


Gary Strachan takes an in-depth look at micro- oxygenation, a method of softening the impact of harsh tannins that has now spread to most wine producing regions.


regulars UP FRONT


MARKETWATCH PETERWATERMAN


4 6


19


WINEMAKER’S BOOKSHELF 24 PRUNINGS


26 British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Summer 2012 3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28