Farms.com Home   News

B.C. risks ‘carpet’ of rotting apples without help after co-op’s closure: growers

As gala apples ripen on British Columbia’s trees, the president of the provincial fruit growers’ group worries about a devastating season without a way for farmers to refrigerate their crops.

Peter Simonsen of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association says without infrastructure provided by the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, which abruptly closed last month, it may not be worth picking this year, leaving a “carpet of apples” on the floor of orchards.

B.C. Agriculture Minister Pam Alexis says the emergency group she tasked to come up with solutions after the co-op closed will have news “soon,” but adds there are enough other fruit packers to make up for the loss.

Political rivals, industry representatives and those growing the fruit have called on the government to step in and acquire some of what the co-op left behind, particularly the temperature-controlled cold storage, which allows galas to last for up to 10 months before being sold.

Simonsen says without the storage, growers will be forced to scramble to sell their product in September and October, driving down prices for apples.

Last month, the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative announced that “extremely low” volumes of fruit and difficult market conditions led to the decision to close and it would be going to court to wind down the organization.

Alexis says because of the court process, it’s unlikely the government would be able to acquire the co-op’s storage.

Simonsen says growers don’t feel like the government is listening to their concerns.

“A significant segment of our industry is in big, big trouble. And they are very upset,” he said.

Alexis acknowledged the tight timeline as the galas are ready to be picked in less than a week.

“It’s a terrible situation to be in, but we value the farmer in British Columbia. We have made food security our top priority, and I can tell you that everything we do is about improving conditions so that the farmer can produce more food for British Columbia,” she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2024.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)

Video: Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)

The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is a highly effective biological control agent for spider mite infestations. As the first company to introduce this natural enemy, Koppert has been a pioneer in sustainable crop protection.

How does Phytoseiulus work?

•Adult mites feed on all life stages of spider mites.

•Nymphs consume spider mite eggs, larvae, and protonymphs.

•Although blind, Phytoseiulus detects spider mites by sensing webbing and leaf damage.

•It eliminates its prey by sucking out the contents, leaving only the empty skin behind.

Why use Phytoseiulus for spider mite control?

•High predation rate ensures rapid spider mite suppression.

•Fast life cycle leads to effective population growth.

•100% natural solution for sustainable pest control.