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cost in the neighbourhood of $55,000 U.S.


The machine can harvest four or five hectares a day, so in Chile it could be used on several farms a day. Neger is confident B.C. farmers could adapt their current harvesters to incorporate the concept of using forced air to dislodge the ripe berries, preventing bruising and damage. He also feels it could be used to pick blueberries too, preventing any loss of the bloom on each berry that occurs with mechanical harvesters using ‘fingers’ to get the ripe fruit to drop.


He has replaced his father Bhagat Neger, as a member of the Raspberry Industry Development Council’s research committee. The IRO meetings in Chile were Nov. 29 and Dec. 1.


He said he found many things that were eye-openers during the conference.


For instance, in listening to reports from other countries who are members of the IRO, he found labour costs were much lower elsewhere than in B.C., while land costs are much higher here, a fact that surprised many of the delegates from other countries.


“Even our chemicals cost more,” he commented.


Such comparisons illustrate why it’s difficult for B.C. growers to compete successfully on global markets.


Neger has a degree in economics and is a fourth-generation farmer on the family operation in Abbotsford and Washington State.


His great-grandfather began it in the 1960s growing strawberries and brussels sprouts. Then his father and his two brothers took it over and grew raspberries and blueberries. Today, Neger and his two cousins are also involved in running the business.


“We’re trying to become self-sufficient. We have our own processing plant and market our fruit as well,” he said.


“We’re looking at updating our equipment. There’s unbelievable technology available now.” Mukhtiar (his grandfather’s name) and Sons Packers Ltd. doesn’t pack for other growers. Most of their fruit is exported.


The trip to Chile was funded by the 14 British Columbia Berry Grower • Spring 2011


Front section of Chilean-developed raspberry harvester that uses air power to move raspberries onto conveyor belt.


Investment Agriculture Foundation’s Small Projects Program, with a contribution of $10,000 to investigate new harvest technology for use in the B.C. raspberry industry,


through the federal Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. The IRO’s next conference is in 2012, and it will be the first to be held in British Columbia.


A Sakuma Family Business


Raspberry, Strawberry and Blackberry Plants Serving BC Growers for many years.


BC Representative: Greg McKay º Phone: (360) 757-6611 M.T. P. IN DUSTRIE S


Offers Norcal Nursery plants, Convenience of customs, transport and delivery services


Contact: Michael Pohlman º Phone: (604) 531-1247


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