IN THIS ISSUE Summer 2012


Published quarterly by OMedia Communications


Publisher and Editor


Bryden Winsby bryden@omedia.ca


Associate Editor Judie Steeves judie@omedia.ca


Advertising Sales


Mike Hamm mike@omedia.ca


Graphic Design Buddy Cole


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Contents copyright 2012. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited.


PRINTED IN CANADA 18 XX-COC-XXXX UP FRONT On The Cover


Sharmin Gamiet, executive-director of the Raspberry Industry Development Council, is busy getting ready for June’s eighth annual world conference of the International Raspberry Organization. See page 5.


Judie Steeves photo British Columbia Berry Grower • Summer 2012 3 FARM SAFETY 4 21


MINDING YOUR BUSINESS 22 PRUNINGS


23 VOLE PROBLEM OVERRATED?


Researcher finding minimal damage in cultivated fields from Townsend’s Vole, which is much more at home in grasslands.


regulars


10 14


features 7


TIME’S RIPE FOR CHANGE


Abbotsford grower Sukh Kahlon believes there is a pressing need for raspberry varieties that are firmer, with a longer shelf life.


BUZZING THE BLUES


Paintbrushes and electric toothbrushes are being used in research that has found bumble bee use of vibration to extract nectar can be more effective than honey bees for pollination.


GROWING NEED TO CERTIFY


Staffers are ready to provide food safety assistance to members of the B.C. Blueberry Council, only about 12.5 per cent of whom have made the grade so far.


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