Lake Country acquires BC Tree Fruits property for $9.1M

Dec 04, 2024

The BC Tree Fruit Cooperative’s transition into receivership presented an opportunity for the acquisition of the 3.4 hectares that BC Tree Fruits property located at 9718 Bottom Wood Lake Road, adjacent to the Winfield Arena. Following a swift court-ordered sale process, the District's offer of $9.1 million was accepted, with court approval granted on November 27th. The community is located between Kelowna and Vernon.

In response to Lake Country's growth and the escalating demand for recreational spaces, green space, and public amenities, the acquisition was deemed timely

Mayor Blair Ireland highlighted the challenge of aligning community priorities with strategic investments, emphasizing the value of seizing such opportunities when they align with available grant funding and reserves. The acquisition is viewed as a long-term benefit to the community, offering potential beyond recreation, including a new site for the RCMP detachment.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.