industry projects that were once part of the BCFGA operation. Current projects include:
Safety
• Farm Labour Orientation and • Starling Control
• Apple Clearwing Moth (2016-
2018) • Apple Maggot (2015 and 2016 assistance for CFIA trapping). • Tree Fruit Production Guide (2016 and future)
• Integrated Pest Management (a variety of sub-projects) • Events to promote public knowledge of the sector
Many of these projects benefit from additional funds provided by other sources, such as Summerland Varieties Corporation, the provincially-funded Tree Fruit Industry Development Fund and the federal-provincial funds of BC investment Agriculture Foundation. In recognition of this new role, it was renamed the BCFGA Research and Development Orchard Ltd. and is wholly-owned by the association. A new lease of the property to SVC, approved by members at the BCFGA annual meeting two years ago, continues to provide funds for the industry projects. BACK TO THE FUTURE
SVC plans to use part of the orchard for its original purposes of demonstration of varieties, but some will continue to be operated as a commercial farm for the foreseeable future. SVC conducted a thorough and fair tendering process to decide on a lessee for the property. The lessee will operate the commercial orchard and provide the necessary work for the test portions under the control of SVC.
It is therefore true to state that the test orchard, as we will always call it, has “a new lease on life”. The orchard will continue to fulfill its original purpose of demonstrating new varieties and techniques, while remaining financially viable and contributing to industry projects. It’s a win-win-win.
Thank you to all of the dedicated people who over the past 35 years have contributed to the success and evolution of the BCFGA Research and Development Orchard.
— Fred Steele is president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association
22 British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Summer 2016
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