The BC Tree Fruit co-operative, a fixture in the agricultural landscape for 88 years, has ceased operations as of July 26. This closure leaves over 300 members, predominantly apple growers, seeking alternative channels for their produce, which also includes peaches, nectarines, plums, and pears. The ramifications of this shutdown are yet to be fully realized across farmers markets, grocers, and related businesses.
Edwin Surendranath, the produce manager at Famous Foods in east Vancouver, anticipates minimal immediate impact on apple availability, as his inventory typically sources from Washington state until the local season in September. However, an earlier weather event in January has already compromised the availability of soft fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums in British Columbia, pushing retailers like Famous Foods to rely on U.S. suppliers without significant price changes for consumers.
Local farmers markets in the Lower Mainland, which depend on the influx of produce from Okanagan farms, are facing a notable decrease in product variety and diversity. Randy Elliott, interim executive director of Vancouver Farmers Markets, highlighted the stark reduction in cherry offerings and the complete absence of certain fruits at this year's markets due to the January freeze.
According to an article on bc.ctvnews.ca,with less than a week to go before gala apples will be ready to be picked in British Columbia, the president of the provincial fruit growers' group worries about a devastating season without a way for farmers to refrigerate their crops.
Peter Simonsen of the BC Fruit Growers' Association says without infrastructure provided by the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, which abruptly closed last month, some growers might find that it's not worth picking their fruit, leaving it to rot in the orchard. "There's going to be a carpet of apples."
Last month, the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative announced that "extremely low" volumes of fruit and difficult market conditions led to the decision to close, and it would be going to court to wind down the organization.
Industry representatives, political rivals and those growing the fruit have since called on the provincial government to step in and maintain some of what the co-op left behind, particularly the cold storage, which allows galas to last for up to 10 months before being sold.
Source: vancouversun.com
