Organic growers are enjoying a positive start to the stone fruit season in British Columbia. Cherries are the main crop at the moment and the favorable weather conditions have resulted in a heavier set with smaller sized cherries. Some growers had thinned out the trees in anticipation, resulting in them achieving a larger size profile.
"We are moving into cherries now in BC, with the Lapin cherry due to begin harvest on July 9," said Elam Wills of Elam's Organics in Cawston. "This is just the start of our peak season for cherries and it's commencing about the same time as last year. Throughout the Similkameen Valley we are seeing a good crop of sweet dark organic cherries. The fruit set began with plentiful fruit and a smaller size profile, demonstrated by the fact that 40 percent of the early varieties are 9.5 ROW and smaller. Most growers have been thinning the trees and those that pruned harder will now be reaping the rewards."
Other stone fruit looking good too
Cherries are not the only organic stone fruit ready to have a great season in BC. Apricots will be starting soon, with peaches and nectarines soon to follow and extend into the latter part of the summer. Quality on organic is looking favorable, with weather conditions for the most part, helping this along.
"Apricots are not a significant volume crop for the BC area, however from what we've seen it's looking like an excellent crop this year, with good quality and sizing," Wills noted. "Peaches and nectarines are due to start in about a week's time. Weather conditions were cool for a week or so recently which held things back slightly, however this has turned out well."
Market looking favorable in North America and overseas
Growers are optimistic about the market conditions that BC stone fruit is entering, particularly for cherries. Two factors are affecting the market, one being the limited supply from California, and the second being the favorable export market for Canadian produce.
"There is a little less satisfaction in the marketplace because of the poor California season this year," Wills explained. "Washington state will be reaping most of this, however it is still a favorable market for BC cherries to enter, as long as it doesn't overlap too much with the strong Washington season. There has been good demand from Taiwan which is an excellent trading partner for Canada right now. It has been more difficult to get into China, but overall there are many promising export markets for organic cherries."
Wills also observed an increase in the acreage for organic cherries in the region, spurred on by good market conditions and consumers warming to the reputation of British Columbia as a center of organic production. "There is a strong increase in organic volume, with up to 20 percent more acreage coming online this year," he said. "A lot of growers are transitioning over to organic, and despite this, the organic price is holding firm. In fact, organic pricing is remaining more consistent compared with conventional in recent years. British Columbia is becoming a center of organic production in Canada, with as many as 50 percent of growers in the Similkameen Valley now growing organic."
For more information:
Elam Wills
Elam's Organics
Tel: +1 (250) 499-2327