12 FRESH look


Talwinder Bassi and Sam DiMaria, he looks forward to consulting on all aspects of the business. He wants to be the liaison between the CEO and the board. Brown didn’t know Sarafinchan prior to his appointment as CEO but he’s impressed with what he’s seen so far. “He’s a fantastic CEO,” he


says. “When he has discussions with people, he can pull the important parts and actually do something with that information – make a go-forward plan.” The plans will include


growers’ perspectives. “We’ve also been and will


Steve Brown’s family has a long history in the South Okanagan. Steve’s great-grandfather is James Ritchie, recognized as the founder of Kaleden and Summerland. Steve’s grandfather, Harry Brown, second from left, middle row, started in the packinghouse working his way up through the ranks to be a government fruit inspector. His brother, John Brown, was a fieldman. BROWN FAMILY ARCHIVES


be talking with the BCFGA (BC Fruit Growers Association),” he says. “Warren, the executive and myself are willing and able to talk with other stakeholders to see what synergies we can find.”


A strong believer in the co- operative marketing model,


COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • DECEMBER 2019 nfrom pg 11


Brown says BC Tree Fruits has the processes in place and has been known for a well- educated field service team that helps growers learn what they need to do to grow good fruit. But more work is necessary to achieve buy-in from all stakeholder groups, and that’s why the co-op is analyzing every aspect of its business. “It’s easy to say that’s the


way we’ve always done it, but sometimes [with] a new set of eyes, you can come up with some new solutions,” he says. “It’s an exciting time and we’re open to look at everything.” An innovator himself,


Brown transformed an aging orchard into a thriving high- density operation producing award-winning Ambrosia, Gala and Pink Lady apples. His Ambrosia apples were grand champion of new varieties at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto in 2017. Last year, he picked up the Golden Apple award from the BC Fruit Growers’ Association for overall excellence. This year, with fall’s rain and limited sunshine in September, Brown pruned branches, pulled leaves and set up white tarps to reflect sunlight to help colour up apples and increase their value. “I have blocks I’ve grafted


over twice since first planting them,” he explains. “A good grower always has a small percentage of their trees in transition at any one time. You can’t just plant one variety and then retire.”


Excellent mentors Brown says he’s fortunate


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to have had excellent mentors – people willing to invest time and effort to talk about everything from work ethic to trustworthiness to conflict resolution. “I try my best to uphold these important qualities I’ve been taught, as I see the benefit day-to-day of these values and principles,” he says. “Most farmers know and respect the value of hard work, and an honest day’s pay and I am proud to serve them. And, there’s lots of things cooking right now at the coop that are positive or I wouldn’t be here.”


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