Up to speed quickly


Ben Stewart brings direct experience and knowledge to his new role as provincial agricultureminister.


By Judie Steeves B


ritish Columbia’s new agriculture minister has grown both tree fruits and grapes himself, so he won’t have a steep learning curve to get up to date on issues affecting those sectors in his new portfolio.


When he was asked to take on the ministry from Kelowna- Mission MLA Steve Thomson, Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart says the premier wanted some specific goals achieved. For instance, the modernizing of the Agricultural Land Commission, as the result of a review currently underway by new chair Richard Bullock.


Stewart says he has received the first draft and is waiting for a final one he will take to the cabinet table.


Growing value-added agriculture is another goal, because of higher land costs in much of B.C., which make it necessary farmers get a greater return on their investment than in competing jurisdictions.


To that end, he believes there are opportunities for expansion of the uses of agricultural land.


With 900 applications a year to the ALC, he said he doesn’t believe it should even be reviewing some of those, but he wouldn’t be more specific.


There is strong public support for the Agricultural Land Reserve, but it needs to be sustainable, he noted. Stewart admitted that social services ministries have out- competed the resource-based ministries at the moment for a share of the budget pie, but he said priorities change in government.


Farmers are competing in globally-competitive markets today so they need to think outside the box and not be satisfied with the status quo.


“Innovation is needed,” Stewart commented. Government, he said, has tried to provide good risk management tools to growers and he feels there is a good relationship between the ministry and agricultural organizations, but, he added, “No industry can expect special deals.î


Growers who recognized they need to be on the cutting edge of what the market is looking for have done amazingly well, he noted.


As far as apples are concerned, he believes people should be urged to recognize there’s a difference in locally-grown apple products. “Instead of a commodity, they must become a specialty item; a flavour-driven, exclusive product.” People are interested in learning about the farmers behind the food. “From the sleepless nights at blossom time through to harvest, it’s a difficult business. But, there’s nothing better than tree-ripened fruit. We need to diversify so we own the home market,”he commented.


He plans to meet with retailers and challenge them to buy local. He also intends to review the Buy B.C. program, or something like it, and look at doing some marketing for B.C.


14 JUDIE STEEVES


Ben Stewart has held three cabinet posts since his election to the provincial legislature in 2009.


products. People now are discovering they want local produce; they’re taking better care of themselves; and they’re more concerned about what goes into their food, he said. “We need to be part of that differentiation. We’re recognized around the world because we Ωhave a flavour difference. We have cool climate viticulture, so why not cool climate apples? We need to tell people we’re different so we can put more money into growers’ pockets,”he added. “We need to work together to increase returns.” This month he has a meeting with federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz and one of the topics he intends to bring up is the importance of breaking down the trade barriers between provinces in this country.


“We should be sharing Canadian produce. It’s ridiculous as it is. There should be open and fair trade within the country,” he said.


Stewart is the founder of Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, which grew out of a family orchard, then vineyard in West Kelowna. It’s a diversified family operation today, but his share is currently in a blind trust while he holds elected office.


British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Winter 2010-11


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