I N T H I S I S S U E Winter 2012-13


Published quarterly by OMedia Communications


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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 regulars UP FRONT


On The Cover Bears and berries are a natural combination, but an


alarming increase in the number feasting at his Coquitlam blueberry farmhas been a huge concern for Sid Kwantles. See page 5.


British Columbia Berry Grower • Winter 2012-13 3


YOUR BUSINESS PRUNINGS


4


14 15


13


11 12


NEWAG MINISTER


NormLetnick, the seventh British Columbia agricultureminister in the past four years, is looking to forge alliances with industry.


features 7


PROMISING NEWBERRY


Study by doctoral student Eric Gerbrandt is aimed at determining if blue-berried version of the honeysuckle can be adapted successfully to the Fraser Valley.


MARKETYEAR IN REVIEW


Although it has not been a stellar one for any of the berry commodity groups, it’s beenmuch worse for some than others,mainly due to the vagaries of weather.


SWD: VIGILANCE ESSENTIAL


Much has been learned about SpottedWing Drosophila during the past three years, but there’s still much to find out about this new invasive pest of soft fruits.


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