“Drainage can sometimes be a problem in the bottom of Meadow Valley itself, but it won't be here,” Keith said. A limited amount of contour work is


required and the hardpan soil in part of the flat area needs to be broken up. “Hay was grown here for over a hundred years, which has compacted the soil,” Keith said.


Fir and pine trees have been removed from 45 acres and thinned on another 20. The trees weren't of high value because the area has been selectively logged.


Sale of the fir for logs and the pine for pulp just covered the cost of their removal. Branches were chipped and left on-site.


The Meadow Valley project is a family affair.


“We wouldn't be doing this without Erin and Bart's commitment to stay in Summerland,” Jan said.


Erin Carlson who has a bachelor's degree in organic agriculture from the University of Guelph will handle the horticultural and quality control aspects of the Meadow Valley orchards plus being responsible for sales. Her partner, Bart Fieten, earned a bachelor's degree in earth science and a master's in plant science from the University of Wageningen in The Netherlands.


“Bart is basically building this place. He's in charge of the agricultural engineering aspects and hiring the contractors, “Keith said.


“I'm quite excited. It's not often an opportunity arises to do such a large project from the bottom up,” Fieten said.


Keith and Jan's other daughter, Claire, and her husband Teno Tamang will move into the existing on-site house in the spring.


Tamang , who has worked in the Carlson fruit business for 10 years, will be the on-site manager and responsible for farm labour.


An elementary school teacher in Cawston, Claire will continue her duties as part-time office manager for the family business during the summer. Jan will expand her current role of hiring farm help and overseeing ethical and safety concerns to encompass the new project.


“My job is to make sure everything gets done, so I guess that makes me the director,” Keith said.


British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Winter 2015-16 9


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