Valley winning the bug battle

JOE FRIES 2009-02-02 Kelowna Courier:
Proving the Okanagan is a virtual no-fly zone for codling moths could provide a big boost to the marketing efforts of local apple growers. At the B.C. Fruit Growers‘ Association annual conference in Penticton on Saturday, entomologist Gary Judd told delegates about some of the benefits that could come with having the Valley declared an area of low-pest prevalence. Initiated in 1992, the Sterile Insect Release program has reduced the Valley‘s codling moth population by introducing sexually sterile males to interfere with the bugs‘ normal mating patters. Without pesticides, growers have knocked down the codling moth population to a very low level, and at the same time produced a product that is more environmentally friendly than that grown by their pesticide-using counterparts in other jurisdictions. Through his work, Judd, who conducts research at the Agriculture Canada station in Summerland, has learned that, “We are already at the lowest levels of any area in the world that has codling moth.”

The benefit, then, of having the Okanagan proclaimed a low-prevalence area is twofold: it could break down trade barriers that other countries may put up for fear of importing the insect; and it could also be used as to brand Okanagan apples as a healthier choice, because of the decreased reliance on pesticides thanks to the SIR program. Growers have already invested in the SIR program, Judd said. Now, they “can take that, what they‘ve invested in, and give it a label.” Glen Lucas, general manager of the fruit growers‘ association, said consultants are currently conducting a cost-benefit analysis of having the Okanagan declared a low-prevalence area for codling moths. He expects the results of the study back in a few months.

The internationall recognized ALPP designation would have to come from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and would require increased testing and quality control, which would likely come at added cost. However, Lucas added, “We think there are enough tangible benefits (for the designation) to pay for itself.” At best, it could still take a couple years to get the designation for codling moth here in the Valley, and growers and marketers would also have to agree to participate. Designations for other insects could follow. Lucas said few consumers know what makes B.C. apples special. “We need to breach that gap,” he continued, “and I think this program will help do it.