NOVEMBER 2016 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC AG BRIEFS


Arctic Fuji headed south


SUMMERLAND – Early spring of 2015 marked the official deregulation of Arctic Granny and Arctic Golden apples in the US and now the third apple from Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) – the Arctic Fuji – will join them. The non-browning apple varieties have fallen under criticism for a variety of reasons, including the potential impact the fruit may have on Okanagan farmers (specifically organic growers) – yet OSF has received positive feedback on the apples. Because the apple has been altered through science-based gene silencing, Arctic apples do not brown when cut, dropped or bitten.


The first commercial harvest occurred in early October with the Arctic Golden. It will be processed into sliced apples and sold in test markets throughout North America in early 2017 according to statements from Intrexon Corp. OSF is based in Summerland but is a wholly owned subsidiary of Virginia- based Intrexon Corp, a


company involved in creating biologically-based products. Ronda Payne


Water infrastructure needed: cattlemen


KAMLOOPS – The province needs to invest in infrastructure for water storage, the BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) told a committee of government and opposition MLAs.


The association was one of a number of presenters to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services that met in Kamloops. BCCA general manager Kevin Boon made the


recommendations to the committee.


"It's an investment not just for agriculture but there's huge value to manage flows for fish and recreation," he said in an interview.


The association is calling on government funding to maintain existing dams and to create new areas in plateau regions of BC to hold back water, something he said is important to adapt to climate change.


"We don't have a slow melt From page 19


and runoff through the year; this April, so much melted so quick."


BC Cattlemen also called for renewed funding to help slow growth of invasive plants, including knapweed, on Crown land.


Cam Fortems


Production insurance improvements


VICTORIA – Changes to the production insurance program have been introduced to help tree-fruit growers manage the risk of crop losses by hail, spring frost, excessive rain, flooding, drought and wind. Wind will be added as a "quality peril" to the program. Fruit damaged by wind and remaining on the tree will be adjusted the same as hail damage. There will be changes for cherry growers, including additional coverage for new cherry plantings and the time between purchasing quality coverage and


coverage coming into effect is being extended from two to four days.


Deadline for applications is November 30, 2016.


Tamara Leigh


Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton examine Pinot Noir grapes they picked at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery in West Kelowna during their Okanagan stop in September. Mission Hill president Ian Morden looks on. (Canadian Heritage photo)


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