Fruit growers confident in the future of farming

Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 27, 2009 12:00 PM

In the past 30 years of raising apples from blossoms to bins, Denise MacDonald has seen a fair number of changes in fruit growing. “It’s a fairly complicated industry now,” said MacDonald, with the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, which represents 850 commercial tree fruit growers in the Okanagan-Similkameen valleys. She’s seen long-time family orchards ripped out and replaced with vineyards or development, but still believes the industry has some strong roots to continue growing from. “We do have a future,” said MacDonald, from Summerland. “I think the farmers that remain are very capable people and very serious about what they’re doing.” There have also been changes in the market. Traditionally fruit growers used to sell their products overseas but they are now focusing on sales closer to home. “We’re kind of having to shift gears and think local,” said MacDonald, as environmental and economic factors are playing a role.

When it comes to the product, although she may be biased, MacDonald says the Okanagan does it best. One advantage the area has is that it doesn’t need to use as many herbicides and pesticides. “It’s historically been a very dry valley, where we don’t have to spray as much. We’re pretty lucky in our growing environment.” Which is why the association is looking into declaring the whole valley of low pest prevalence. “It’s science-based, it’s not just an empty promise,” said MacDonald, who thinks it could greatly benefit the industry and the region.While Okanagan growers don’t have to rely on pest management, they do have to rely on water conservation.“I am on the water committee and we are trying to get the farmers to be aware of the drought conditions and prepare for it,” said MacDonald, adding that municipalities can help by keeping lines of communication open with farmers to alert them to low water situations.“Farmers can maybe adjust, turn their water off when it’s pouring rain and things like that.”

Speaking to Coldstream council Monday, MacDonald urged municipalities to not only communicate but think of farmers when making policies. Coun. Pat Cochrane suggested she speak to the City of Vernon.“I get the impression they do need a bit of education on the value of agriculture,” said Cochrane.