“All of these components need to be


there, and in some situations we are going to require expanded facilities. And remember it has to be quality first. We are not well known in China, but we do produce a very viable brand and we want to maintain that and build on it.” Sweeney’s parting advice to the


industry:”Take the time to do it right and learn as you build.” The Lower Mainland Horticultural Producers Association organizes the Hort Short Course held annually as part of the Pacific Agriculture Show in Abbotsford and Sweeney has been a member of that working group, joining it in 1978.


“When I first started with the ministry one of the first things I was involved with was the short course. However, I didn’t take on a leadership role until about 1980 — 35 years ago. Today, ministry staff essentially organize the educational programming and Sandy Dunn looks after the business operations.


The main thrust of the course is grower education, keeping them aware of the challenges they face and supplying them with information that will assist them to handle those challenges.


“As a prime organizer, together with


industry, the objective is to create a program growers will find beneficial. And the PacAg Show features the machinery and the tools growers will need to service their operations.” In looking back over his years of employment, Sweeney said he is proud of the role he has played in the success of the berry industries. In addition to the numerous responsibilities he has undertaken, Sweeney has been the editor of the Berry Production Guide, the standard industry production reference. He also helped organize numerous conferences, workshops and field days. Contacted for a comment on Sweeney’s retirement, the former chair of the BC Blueberry Council and a long time blueberry producer in Abbotsford, Mike Makara said: “I’ve known Mark for a long time and I have a high regard for his abilities. I don’t think myself or anybody else in the blueberry industry could have been happier when Mark became the provincial berry specialist. Mark is a first-class guy, so polite he’s almost too polite.”


Jason Smith, the current chair of the council added: “We have really valued


and appreciated Mark’s contributions, not only to the blueberry industry but to all other berry sectors. He has been a huge asset, counterpart, ministry representative and also a friend. I’ve really valued his efforts over the years. He is going to be hard to replace.” These comments have been echoed by


many others in the industry. Sweeney is highly regarded for both his knowledge and his willingness to help solve problems. He provided leadership, channeling his advice and recommendations by way of participation in planning events, field days, and workshops. He always considered himself to be but a small cog in a big wheel but the berry industries collectively think otherwise. He and his wife Janet still live on a small farm in the Mount Lehman area where they raise asparagus. Their seven children, all home schooled, are grown up now. They are active in the community and their church and are members of the Sweeney Singers. The choral group has performed at charity events in the Fraser Valley for over 25 years. Mark says he is looking forward to his retirement from the ministry and the new opportunities that it presents.


British Columbia Berry Grower • Fall 2015


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