Musings


Sustainable level of quality product is essential for long-term success of province’s tree fruit industry.


ometimes progress hangs on a single event like landing a lander on an asteroid. There is a flurry of activity followed by complete silence, much like the recent Rosetta Probe. In this case the silence was broken with the provincial government’s major announcement on the replant program. This is not merely a single event; it ushers in a new era of growth for the tree fruit industry.


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In the past it would have been regarded as a sign the industry would survive. This time it demonstrates the long decline is over. The industry is about to expand in new directions. The industry strategy is being accepted and modified with input from various sectors. Packing houses, independents, the Co-op, cherry growers, the Sterile Insect Release program and Summerland Varieties Corporation are coming together to explore ways to move this industry into an era of prosperity. The first major step still depended on a meaningful replant program to grow the product. We can explore value-added, innovation and niche market exports all we want, but without a sustainable level of quality product the odds would still be against the industry. It was with this in mind we embarked on a program that would make long-term planning possible and levels of production meaningful. The new program also makes discussions with the federal government possible.


An ambitious program and the ability to engage in long-term planning creates a level of confidence that creates a willingness for others to participate. Many are asking what might the future plan look like? There are some serious goals and expectations that still must come together, yet the essential ingredients are already part of the mix. We can achieve the goal of more jobs through growing volumes, in BC we are masters at innovation, and the niche export markets are emerging —especially domestically and in Asia.


The world is changing economically. Many countries, especially in Asia, are


10 British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Winter 2014-15


By Fred Steele Replant — a bold step forward


seeing middle income growth. These families have more disposable income and they can afford more variety and better quality selections for their diet. With this in mind we must prepare for the future. Tariffs and other trade impediments


are disappearing and by the time we get trees in the ground and fruit on the trees we will be able to take advantage of opportunities presented (the new trade deal with Korea is a prime example). I have always believed ‘good luck’ really means proper preparation to take advantage of opportunity. We must continue to grow quality product and take care of our prime customers in western Canada; however, we must also enter overseas markets in a strategic way. South Korea I have mentioned many times. It currently has a 45 per cent tariff, but that will end within the next seven years. We can also look to other nations in the Pacific region as incomes rise. In addition to rising incomes, many consumers in the marketplace want B.C. products. Our product and growing region is seen as being of first-class quality, with clean air, clean water and a high standard of food safety. These are becoming the key demands of consumers here and in premium export markets. We are well positioned for future expansion as we adhere to these principles. We are also working with a Commonwealth country in the Southern Hemisphere to work on a fruit exchange


project that could provide full-time, year- round jobs for many in both countries and give us both a possible competitive advantage in some international markets. There is a long way to go and some serious discussion to be had, questions to be asked and modifications to be made before we arrive at the final plan. Those who thought the end of the tree fruit industry was near forgot how many challenges each generation of farmers has faced.


After 125 years, tree fruit growers in B.C. have demonstrated the courage, sacrifice and determination required to survive and to become the most innovative and determined farmers in the world.


BC tree fruit farmers have been challenged by a lot of things in the past; however, they have never doubted their ability to succeed and thrive against the odds. That is why they they have continued to meet the new challenges that have arisen, since 1889.


Friday Nov. 21, 2014 was a good day for agriculture and a great day for the tree fruit industry. Premier Christy Clark launched the seven-year, $8.4 million replant program. All of the success and setbacks have now come together to provide a path to a new future for the industry. Where we go with the emerging opportunities will depend on our willingness to embrace the future, and if enthusiasm is the yardstick we will measure up just fine.


— Fred Steele is president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association


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