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IN THIS ISSUE FALL 2012


Serving the tree fruit, grape and wine industries of British Columbia, Canada


Published quarterly by OMedia Communications


Publisher and Editor Bryden Winsby


bryden@omedia.ca


Horticultural Adviser and Contributing Editor


Peter Waterman peter@omedia.ca


Associate Editor


Judie Steeves judie@omedia.ca Contributors


Pat Bowen, Tracy Clark, Lyonel Doherty, Cheryl Hampson, Eugene Hogue, Sean Kuchta, Susan McIver, Denise Neilsen, Gerry Neilsen, Scott Smith, Gary Strachan, Bill Taylor, Kevin Usher, Ray Johnson


Advertising Sales


Mike Hamm mike@omedia.ca


Graphic Design Buddy Cole


buddy@locoldesign.com


Canada Post Publications Agreement Number 40841579 Mailing Address


Suite 515, 22-2475 Dobbin Road, West Kelowna, BC, Canada V4T 2E9


Telephone (778) 755-4355 Fax (778) 755-3820 E-mail


info@omedia.ca Website


www.omedia.ca/grower


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


PRINTED IN CANADA regulars UP FRONT On The Cover


Glenn and Loretta Cross believe the answer to today’s low apple prices lies in diversification of their Kelowna farm operation, now known as Function Junction. It’s an experience that has been both rewarding and frustrating. See page 6.


Judie Steeves photo


MARKETWATCH PETERWATERMAN


4 5


18


WINEMAKER’S BOOKSHELF 25 PRUNINGS


26 British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Fall 2012 3


15 19 21


features 8


GM OPINION STILL SPLIT


Despite extensive research and development, Okanagan Specialty Fruits continues to face opposition to its non-browning technology.


NO CHERRIES TO CHINA


Production levels have remained stable for most types, but there has been a significant decline in apricot acreage.


A BIODYNAMIC FIRST


Summerhill Pyramid Winery is first in the province to obtain Demeter certification as its organic viticulture practices are taken to the next level.


PICKING THE RIGHT TIME


Gary Strachan explains that knowing when to harvest grapes means paying close attention to visual clues and flavours.


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