Cherry dumping raises MP’s ire

By JOHN MOORHOUSE Wednesday, July 29, 2009 Penticton Herald:

The federal government should move to stop the dumping of Washington cherries into the Canadian market, says B.C. Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko. Although there is a bumper crop this year, Okanagan cherry growers have been hit hard amid allegations that Washington state growers are flooding the market with bargain-priced cherries. Cherry production in Washington is up 30 to 50 per cent, resulting in a flood of cherries onto the world market. As a result, it is predicted that cherry prices for B.C. producers will be 40 to 60 per cent lower than a year ago. Atamanenko, the NDP agriculture critic, has written federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz urging him to take action, even if it means risking trade action under NAFTA. “Trade deal or no trade deal, the U.S. wouldn‘t hesitate to slap a tariff on our produce if it meant protecting their producers,” he said. “It‘s time for us to do the same.” Atamanenko said if the U.S. goes to NAFTA‘s trade dispute tribunal to appeal, so be it. Rather than always following by the rules, Ottawa should take more immediate measures. “What we have to do the next time this happens is to slap tariffs on at the border and stop these cherries – or apples -- from coming in.” he said. “We probably won‘t be able to save this year‘s crop, but in the future we‘ve got to have some kind of mechanism that won‘t allow (U.S.) produce to come in at a low price and undercut our farmers.”

The flooded market‘s impact on Okanagan cherry growers has been dramatic. Naramata grower Rob Van Westen said the packing house won‘t even accept smaller size cherries. The Lapin variety of cherries, in particular, was especially hard hit. Van Westen, who operates three acres of Lapins in his Boothe Road orchard, said he has been forced to leave much of the fruit hanging on the tree to rot. Cull rates could be as high as 40 per cent. “We‘re salvaging whatever we can. We‘re just chasing big cherries and leaving little ones on the trees,” he said. Whereas last year, growers received up to $1.80 a pound, Van Westen said this year he‘d consider himself lucky to receive a dollar a pound. Prices for later varieties, such as Sweethearts, will likely be somewhat higher. Atamanenko described the situation as a tragedy for Okanagan cherry growers. The MP said consumers can do their part by insisting on B.C. cherries at the grocery store. Despite the abundance of local fruit, some super market chains have featured Washington cherries on their shelves.