IN THIS ISSUE Fall 2010


Published quarterly by OMedia Communications


Publisher and Editor


Bryden Winsby bryden@omedia.ca


Associate Editor Judie Steeves judie@omedia.ca


Sales and Marketing Director


Garth Allmand garth@omedia.ca


Advertising Sales Mike Hamm mike@omedia.ca


Graphic Design Buddy Cole


buddy@locoldesign.com


Canada Post Publications Agreement Number 40841579


Mailing Address Suite 309,


151-32500 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2T 4W1


Telephone (250) 768-3368 Fax (250) 768-2673 E-mail


info@omedia.ca Website


www.bcberrygrower.ca


Contents copyright 2010. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited.


PRINTED IN CANADA by Thunderbird Press, Richmond, BC


regulars XX-COC-XXXX On The Cover


Blueberries are a mainstay for Rhonda Driediger, who has guided a farm well-known for its strawberries to a much more diversified and flexible operation. The full story starts on page 5.


—Judie Steeves photo British Columbia Berry Grower • Fall 2010 3


UP FRONT PROFILE


FARM MANAGEMENT PRUNINGS


4 9


17 18


14 DROSOPHILA UPDATE


A biological weapon and grower cooperation are being sought as efforts continue to contain spread of the Spotted Wing Drosophila.


11 BERRY BREEDING BACKED


Funding from Ottawa will help sustain PARC research, which is seen as a key component in keeping the industry competitive.


9


features 7


KEY LINK IN ‘VALUE CHAIN’


Investment Agriculture Foundation’s Bill Henderson helps growers understand why it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what the consumer wants.


SUCCESS ON THE DOUBLE


Combining technology and traditional farming methods at the family’s Pitt Meadows operation has helped give the Sahota twins a marketing edge.


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