Growers Journal by NICHE MEDIA

FALL 2009

", GROWERS' JOURNAL

INSIDE

HST AND BC FARMERS | FROM FRUIT TO WINE | NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR SIR PROGRAM

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", GROWERS JOURNAL PUBLISHER Craig Brown cbrown@growersjournal.com MANAGING EDITOR Laurena Weninger editor@growersjournal.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Chytra Brown chytrab@growersjournal.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MaryAnn McCooey production@businessexaminer.ca CONTRIBUTORS Karen Knelsen Lisa Scott Chris Thoreau Margaret Holm Ann Perry

AgriStability and AgriInvest deadlines looming

The business of farming can be hit hard by the unexpected, during the growing period, and that is why the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands supports a number of risk management programs to help producers mitigate that risk. AgriStability is a margin-based program that provides support when a farmer experiences larger farm income losses. It covers declines of more than 15 per cent in a farmer’s average income from previous years. To participate in AgriStability, producers have to enroll in the program, pay a fee, and submit an application.

P.O. BOX 32034 RPO 2151 LOUIE DR. WESTBANK, BC, CANADA V4T 3G2 The Growers’ Journal is published seasonally. It is delivered by Canada Post to members of BCFGA, packing house cooperatives, and members of the BC Wine Institute. Copies are also available at all advertisers’ locations. Subscriptions for those outside of our free distribution area are $36 per year. Views expressed in The Growers’ Journal are those of their respective contributors and are not necessarily those of its publisher or staff. Contents copyright 2009. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited. Printed in Canada PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 41835528 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: P.O. BOX 32034 RPO 2151 LOUIE DR. WESTBANK, BC, CANADA V4T 3G2

40 40

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| www.growersjournal.com Fall 2009

The deadline for farmers to submit a 2008 AgriStability form (which is harmonized with the AgriInvest form) without penalty is September 30, however, applications will be accepted until December 31, with penalty. Producers must have already enrolled in AgriStability for the 2008 program year to be eligible. For more information about AgriStability and AgriInvest, producers can visit www.agr.gc.ca/ agristability or www.agr.gc.ca/agriinvest, or call Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada toll free at 1-866-367-8506.

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With AgriInvest, producers make a deposit in order to receive a matching government contribution. Producers participating in AgriInvest receive a deposit notice that outlines the eligible government contributions and withdrawal options. For the 2008 program year producers must make a deposit to receive the matching government contributions.

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AgriInvest is another program designed to help producers manage their risk. Producers have the flexibility to use the funds to cover small margin declines or for risk mitigation and other investments.

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250/861-9089 Fall 2009 Growers Journal

From fruit to wine: Orchards out, vineyards in Valley orchards continue to disappear, while more vineyards are planted

By Laurena Weninger

Maybe it’s because wine is sexier than apple pie. “It’s outsiders coming here,” said Joe Sardinha, president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association. “I think they have this vision of having their own vineyard, maybe their own winery.” Sardinha is talking about the steady transition from the acres of fruit trees, to the acres of vineyards planted throughout the Okanagan Valley. He said it might be the romanticism of grape-growing, or a preconception it is easier to make money with a vineyard. New owners take over, and pull out the trees. “(There is a belief) that somehow growing grapes is more profitable than tree fruit – when it isn’t, in every case.” Regardless, there are indeed fewer trees. “We’ve seen quite a reduction in the last 10 years,” said Sardinha, adding part of the reason for the switch is likely because, in some cases, farmers today are getting the same prices for their fruit that they did 25 or 30 years ago. Add some hail damage onto that, and you’ve got farmers throwing up their hands. 4

| www.growersjournal.com Fall 2009

“I can see why that attrition has happened.” While Sardinha isn’t giving up on the strength of the industry, he said it does worry him. “Of course it’s going to be a concern,” he said. “Where we run into issues are things like the SIR program.” The Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (SIR) program counts on payment from active apple and pear orchards, in order to continue to fund the release of the sterile Coddling moth to keep pesticide use low. SIR staff members keep track of apple and pear acreages throughout the valley, counting any blocks of more than 20 trees. In 1996, they recorded 7,439 acres of apples and pears in the Regional District OkanaganSimilkameen (RDOS) area. By 2009, that number was down to 3,989. The numbers in the Central Okanagan dropped also, from 6,213, to 3,426 acres. In the area from Lake Country and North Okanagan, acres of apples and pears dropped from 3,419 acres in 1996, to 1,919 acres.

In all, in the Okanagan, the number of acreages declined by 8,439 acres in that time, dropping from 17,773 acres to 9,334 acres. But fewer trees doesn’t automatically mean drastically less fruit. “The production drop is not a mirror image of acreage drop,” Sardinha said. New orchards that are being planted are higher density, meaning more apples per acre, making up for some of the removed trees.

ABOVE |

along with others in a 10-acre block, are slated for

According to Sardinha, there are 3,500 acres of cherry trees in the valley. “I don’t think growers are in a mad rush to pull out cherry blocks,” he said. Those who grew Lapins struggled this year, he said, partly because cherries in the U.S. mature at the same time as our Lapins. The Okanagan can show their strength in the later varieties, which will ripen after the glut in the market has slowed down. “I see growers choosing to diversify their varietal mix so they can capture the diversity in the market.”

This spring was the last time this Oliver

Granny Smith apple tree will blossom. The tree,

removal this fall. The owner, who has farmed these trees for more than two decades, is going to be

The number of acres of wine grapes planted in B.C. more than doubled from 1999 to 2008.

According to a 2008 B.C. Wine Grape Acreage report prepared Lynn and John Bremmer from Mount Kobau Wine Services, there were only 4,184 acres of grapes in 1999. By 2008, that number was up to 9,066. There are 710 vineyards in B.C. Of those, 84.3 per cent are in the Okanagan Valley; 6.4 per cent are in the Similkameen Valley; 7.3 per cent are in the Coastal areas; and 2 per cent in other areas of B.C. Wineries own or control 63.1 per cent of the wine grape acreage, and 36.9 per cent is owned by independent grape growers. Forty-nine per cent of the acreage grows white grapes, and 51 per cent grows red. The most

planted varieties in order of acres were Merlot, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Blanc.

planting grapes instead.

The average winery vineyard size is 22.7 acres; and the average independent vineyard size is 6.7 acres. Actual plantings for B.C. wine production prior to 2005 were 5,507 acres. Actual plantings in 2005 were 415 acres; 712 in 2006; 1,076 in 2007; and 1,356 in 2008. Estimated plantings for 2009 are 800 acres, and for 2010, 700 acres. “Percentage increases in newly planted acreage is predicted to slow over the next few years, especially in the Okanagan region, due to scarcity of premium grape growing land,” states the report. “More marginal areas are being planted each year or tree fruit crops are being removed for grapes.”

Fall 2009 Growers Journal

Why organic really is healthier

Seeking harmony: How the HST will affect B.C. farmers

By Chris Thoreau

This study is an interesting contrast to a 2007 study conducted by the Quality Low Input Food Project (QLIP). QLIP conducted a four-year study of growing and testing organic and conventional vegetables and livestock at various locations throughout Europe. They found that organic fruits and vegetables have up to 40 per cent more antioxidants and that organic milk contained up to 60 per cent more antioxidants and healthy fatty acids than their conventional counterparts. It is not uncommon for studies to have conflicting results, so why make a fuss about the results of these studies? One of the key reasons is the impact the media has on public opinion. On countless occasions, media reports about foodstuffs have

In this case the media, and the studies themselves, can also have a significant impact on consumer perception of food and its value. For example, the researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine stated that “consumers paid higher prices for organic food in part because of its perceived health benefits, creating a global organic market worth an estimated $48 billion in 2007.” What this statement suggests is that because organic food is not more nutritious than conventional food that consumers should not pay more for it. It also assumes that the reason consumers buy organic food, and perhaps why we have organic standards, is because of its so-called increased health benefits. Fortunately this is far from the truth. Even more fortunate is that many consumers of organic food are aware of the bigger picture of the organic food industry. While media has helped fuel the debate between the health differences between conventional and organic produce, what is often left out are the ecological differences – which are vast. While the study of nutrition and quality between organic and conventional produce is a worthy investigation, it cannot come at the expense of the ecological differences between the two growing methods. Of course, it would not be fair to suggest that the media does not report on the ecological differences

She admits there are some good things about the new regulations, which require mandatory certification to a revised standard level, for any products represented as organic. “The new Canadian standards may encourage some large scale conventional farmers to become organic,” said Larivee, about the new system, which includes a logo. “But there is the danger of that process becoming too expensive and too complicated for the small scale, biodiverse farm to comply.” The new approval process is based on a third-party service model, states the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the overseeing government body. They authorize and monitor accredited certification verification officers, who then monitor on-farm and facility organic production. 6

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“Organic production is based on principles that support healthy practices. These principles aim to increase the quality and the durability of the environment through specific management and production methods. They also focus on ensuring the humane treatment of animals.”

Effective July 1, 2010, the tax will combine the 5 per cent GST with the 7 per cent PST, and replace the existing taxes on most items that are now subject to only GST. There will be exceptions – baby car seats, and children’s clothing, for starters. The new tax won’t apply to gasoline, books, or feminine hygiene products. But other things that are currently not taxed, will be – including school supplies, magazines and newspapers, and the food served in restaurants.

Nowhere in the preamble of Canada’s organic standard is there any mention about the nutritional value of the food as it relates to conventional food. This is because no such claim is being made. Organic food production, as supported by organic standards throughout the world, provides a means of growing food that lessens human impact on the planet.

But when it comes to the business of farming, the new tax could mean a savings, said Andy Dolberg, executive director of the B.C. Agriculture Council (BCAC).

While studies contrasting health benefits of conventional and organic produce will probably be numerous in the years to come, it is important to keep in mind that it is the ecological benefits we should be focused on - for only through healthy ecosystems and healthy soil can we grow healthy food.

“It is quite a significant benefit and that’s why we are pleased with that announcement,” Dolberg said. “The agriculture council has been working with the Ministry of Finance for quite a few years to get changes to that (the PST) system.”

R T I F IE C E

He said currently, when farmers buy supplies for their business, they pay PST on some items, but not on others. The retailers have a list, and farmers get point-of-sale PST rebates on items that qualify for the exemption like bird-scaring devices and crop pruners.

“Some of the new Canadian standards are protecting the interests of the very large monoculture organic farms that export, rather than the interest of the very small farms,” Larivee said.

“But that list didn’t include anywhere near the inputs farmers need to buy,” Dolberg said. For example, if a farmer bought building materials to use on the farm, an air compressor, or an ax, he had to pay PST, with no opportunity to reclaim that cost.

The regulations cover any organic food product, including fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat and processed food. Any product advertised as organic, organically grown, organically raised, or organically produced must have at least 95 per cent organic content. It might make it tougher for the little guys.

“It’s a complex subject,” said Kilpoola area farmer Helene Larivee, an organic grower since 1987.

One of the main focuses of the organic industry is ecological preservation. The Canadian organic standard states:

“Those same farmers who started the organic movement might be unable to maintain organic certification,” Larivee said. “The strong idealistic farmer who started the organic movement and established a good certification process that worked well on the local level for many years.”

R T I F C E IE

everyone is happy about it.

In July, B.C. finance minister Colin Hansen announced that the provincial government intends to harmonize the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) with the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) into a new tax, called Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

G A N I O R C

As of June 30, new mandatory Canada-wide certification standards went into effect for organic farmers, and not

“This could be a good thing for agriculture,” said Joe Sardinha, president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, about the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax.

Organic standards tough for small farms

between conventional and organic produce. But separating the issue of ecological health from the issue of human health (which, in reality, are the same thing) by excluding one or the other perspective in the media in a comparison of the two systems is misleading.

In recent years there have been a number of studies comparing the health benefits of conventional versus organic produce. A new study was released in July of this year where researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found after reviewing 162 relevant scientific papers that there was no significant evidence to show that organic produce was healthier than conventional produce.

quickly changed consumer trends, both for the better and for the worse.

G A N IC O R

Over the past several decades the organic agriculture industry has seen fantastic growth in both popularity and economic impact. Sales of organic foods in Canada are well over the $1 billion mark annually and continue to increase. But with this growth has also come some skepticism as to whether organic produce is healthier than conventional produce.

Larivee is currently certified with the Similkameen Okanagan Organic Producers Association (SOOPA). They were the first certifying organization in B.C., and started in 1986, when 10 founding members initiated the association to develop a certification process and draft standards on the local level. They developed grower guidelines, and a system of third-party verification.

B.C. Agriculture Council, B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association say tax a plus for B.C. farmers

By Laurena Weninger

“What will happen under the new system is it will work exactly like the existing GST system works.” That means farmers pay the 12 per cent tax (instead of just the 5 per cent) on all their inputs – or, in other words, any of the supplies they use on the farm – and then can seek a rebate to get it all back. The federal government will oversee the administration of the new tax, theoretically streamlining the system.

It’s a change that will more closely reflect what the BCAC was striving for, with a less-complicated system and more exemptions for farmers. John Slater, MLA for the Boundary-Similkameen and former greenhouse grower said the tax won’t have any negative impact for farmers. Instead, it will offer a tax break. “When I buy tires for my tractor, tires for my truck – I get that back,” he said. And, though he has now leased out his 25,000 square foot greenhouse in order to fully participate in his political duties, he said that such business owners can then forward the savings on to the consumer. “I would be able to reduce the cost to the client by 7 per cent (on some items) because of that HST I will get back.” Numbers are still being tossed around, but the new system could benefit the B.C. agricultural industry by as much as $15 million, Sardinha said. But only time will tell. “We do endorse the idea but at the same time we’d like the details,” he said. The B.C. government has only announced bits and pieces of how the new system will work, and it is still a bit unclear how it will apply in every situation. For example, Sardinha said there were four main categories of items that have significant uses other than farm uses – but are certainly also used for farm purposes and should be tax-free. This includes farm trucks, legal fees, telecommunication devices like cell phones, and computers, and he wants assurance the tax on these items will come back to farmers. Ultimately, while Sardinha does support the tax reform from the strict viewpoint of farming, he admits there are other aspects about the HST that could hit harder. “In other areas, it’s still going to cost us,” Sardinha said. The HST will apply to restaurant meals as well as everyday items that everyone purchases, that were previously exempt. That will hit them in the pocketbook, just like everyone else, he said. “Farmers are consumers too.”

Fall 2009 Growers Journal

Judy Warren, from the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release program, was out in September collecting information about South Okanagan apples. As the season comes to a close, Warren and the other staff members do random checks of orchards to note apparent coddling moth damage.

Okanagan Sterile Insect Release program looks at new possibilities for pest control By Laurena Weninger

The number of apple tree acreage in the Okanagan Valley has dropped since the inception of the Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (OK SIR) program, and that means costs have gone up. But not only is the program still worth the money, said general manager Cara McCurrach, there are new possibilities on the horizon. “At this point, it is more ‘in principle,’” she said, about recent news about the possibility of OK SIR taking over monitoring of the Western Cherry Fruit Fly. The Okanagan Kootenay Cherry Growers Association has expressed interest in exploring the option, but now the OK SIR board must further develop the idea. Then, they will take it to the various regional district boards involved for approval. At this point, the pest – which is listed on the regional district sites as a noxious insect, she said 8

| www.growersjournal.com Fall 2009

– is monitored by regional district bylaws. The OK SIR could provide a higher level of data collection as well as enforcement. “We already have the structure in place,” she said, referring to how their coddling moth program could quite easily be expanded. But it won’t be done at a detriment to operations.

“What happens when we back off on our (moth) releases?” she said, explaining the test. If the release of the sterile moths in the Okanagan can be reduced then some moths can be sold elsewhere – but only if Okanagan orchardists can do without. “Obviously our facility can only produce so many moths.”

“The key thing is to make sure we can continue to provide value to current stakeholders.” She said the value of the Coddling moth program is proven by just looking at the U.S. apple industry, and their struggles with the Coddling moth.

In some areas, traps have caught next-to-none of the coddling moths, McCurrach said. In those areas, they have increased the number of traps, and have not released any moths. Later this fall, they will be taking a look at those results.

A look south leads to another possibility for the program: Right now, the OK SIR scientists are in the middle of a three-year pilot project in the Similkameen, which could indicate possible sales of sterile moths to other countries.

Another three-year pilot project in the works is in the north and central Okanagan. In addition to the Coddling moth, they are having trouble with the Leaf Roller and the Eye-Spotted Bud moth. OK SIR scientists are trying out a “multiple lure mating disruption” technique that involves the placing of

pheromones in the orchards to control the mating routines. In some areas, farmers are using spray to control the three pests. In some test areas, the SIR team has put out lures intended to use pheromones targeting the coddling moths. In other areas, lures are put out targeting all three pests. Again, it won’t be until later this fall that the results of this test are put forth. “The purpose of these pilot projects is to address some of the concerns growers have, and to move it (the program) ahead,” McCurrach said. “Things change. You can’t carry on doing the things you always do... it’s a constantly moving target.” She said the bottom line is to make sure farmers’ production costs – including the SIR tax portion – are worth it to the farmers.

Fall 2009 Growers Journal

PARC reports on winter damage By Laurena Weninger

Last winter hit local vineyards hard – but not as hard as some had expected. “In the end, when you add it up, there was maybe 10 per cent significant vine damage,” said research biologist Carl Bogdanoff, from the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC). “It wasn’t that bad.”

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Bogdanoff was one of the scientists presenting at the 10th annual Enology and Viticulture Conference and Trade Show in Penticton, July 20 and 21, and he was there to explain the results of last winter’s cold weather on vineyards in the Okanagan and Similkameen. And while it might not have been as bad as expected, the worst of the damage hit from in the Oliver area, down to the north end of Osoyoos Lake. “The low temperatures experienced in late December 2008 and early January 2009 in the Southern Interior of B.C. presented a unique opportunity to study the winter hardiness of commonly grown V. vinifera wine grape varieties,” states his summary. “The rare combination of near-lethal threshold temperature, an established temperaturemonitoring network, and a large number of variety blocks within the monitored area created a rich source of data for the study.” Dec. 20, 2008 was the coldest day of winter, with minimum temperatures ranging from –18.5 C to –26.8 C at the 47 temperature collection stations. While damage was spotty – it hit in various parts of the two valleys – the worst in the South Okanagan area was the stretch along the highway between Oliver and Osoyoos. “The reason is two-fold,” said Osoyoos’s Manfred Freese, president of the B.C. Grapegrowers Association. “There is no lake, and secondly, there are quite a few (vineyards) in, frankly, poor sites. There were a few people who were essentially wiped out.” The proximity of Osoyoos Lake likely helped keep some vineyards a bit healthier, said Bogdanoff, explaining the process of water freezing produces heat, and may increase ambient temperature by a couple of degrees. The lay of the land makes a big difference, too. The most damaged areas were those in the lower-lying portions.

“Basically anything on the valley bottom,” said Bogdanoff. That’s because the cool air heads downhill, and pools in the low areas causing frost pockets. The final results aren’t compiled yet. A full report will be available in December, after the growing and harvesting season is completed. But so far, Bogdanoff said there has been some surprise about the buds that were deep in the vine, and were not affected. Only about 1 per cent of all the vines actually died. “We thought there’d be more shoot collapse.” As for grape yields, time will tell. But so far, he is predicting they might be down 15 to 20 per cent. There are about a dozen varieties commonly grown in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys, states Bogdanoff’s report, and he summarizes which seemed to best withstand the cold. Pinot noir, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay have been least affected; Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, on the other hand, suffered bud damage exceeding 25 per cent. Merlot and Siraz also had the lowest bud break percentage. Numbers of clusters per shoot varied with bud damage for some varieties. Sauvignon Blanc had better than expected fruitfulness at 1.4 clusters per shoot, while both Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc were less fruitful, averaging 1.1 clusters per shoot. Overall, Petit Verdot, with high percentage bud break, shoot fruitfulness and total number of clusters per vine, was the most winter hardy. “Riesling, Gewurztaminer, Chardonnay, Caberanenet Sauvingnon and Pinot noir were also tolerant of cold temperatures. Shiraz demonstrated to be the least tolerant of cold temperatures, followed closely by Merlot, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.” For Merlot, temperatures lower than –22C reduced bud break and shoots per vine by 35 per cent, reduced clusters per vine by 46 per cent and decreased the average fruitfulness of shoots arising for the truck or cordons when compared to vines exposed to temperatures not lower than –18.5 to –20 C. A comparison of spur and cane pruned vines found the higher bud damage rates of spur pruned vines were more than compensated for by the greater number of buds per spur pruned vines after pruning.

Darryl MacKenzie, from the Oliver and District Heritage Society, sits at the irrigation canal, which runs through the town of Oliver and Rural Area C. The canal was recently added to the heritage registry for the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.

Function meets history: Irrigation canal placed on heritage registry By Laurena Weninger

It wasn’t meant to be pretty.

depression across the province.”

“The ditch was not put in for aesthetic reasons,” said Darryl MacKenzie, from the Oliver and District Heritage Society. He is talking about the irrigation canal, which runs through the town of Oliver and Rural Area C – and it is one of the most recent additions to the heritage registry for the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS).

The irrigation canal was a project designed to offer work, as well as land for veterans to live on – at reasonable rates, with loans with incredibly low interest.

The ditch is a concrete-lined canal that spans almost 34 km (21 miles), from the Pattullo Dam north of town (also known as McIntyre Dam) to Road 18. Once, it ran all the way to the U.S. border.

The ditch was built with a 1 in 4,000 slope, managed through flumes and siphons. It operates with little reliance on any mechanical pumping system.

“It was a project of the B.C. Liberals, at the time, under (premier) John Oliver,” MacKenzie said. It was built in 1919, to create work for veterans returning from the World War.

“This was a conservation effort right from the start,” MacKenzie said. The ditch is still in use – though parts of it have been covered, and the wood pipe has been replaced by galvanized metal – and provides water to much of the agricultural land in the area.

“When the war ended, unemployment was as high as 20 per cent,” he said. “There was a huge

“If people were not able to get employment, they could at least grow food for their families.”

And it’s considered important enough to add to the heritage registry. “It is the primary infrastructure to supply the economic driver of the community – which is agriculture.” In other words, the existence and operation of the ditch is the life-blood of the main economy, and needs to be recognized. In 2006, funding went into place for the RDOS to act on a heritage strategic plan. Part of that plan was to identify sites of importance. “A heritage registry is an identification process,” MacKenzie explained, adding it is intended to define what is important about a site and to outline the elements that make it so. For example, the ditch is important because it is a conduit for water. The registry differs from a “heritage designation” in some important ways. First, there aren’t rules HERITAGE CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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Fall 2009 Growers Journal

Research looks to develop cold-tolerant grapes

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are a step closer to improving the hardiness of grape varieties that can be damaged and destroyed by fall frosts and cold winters in North American vineyards. Grapes, like many other woody plants, stop growing and drop their leaves in the fall, entering a dormant phase that allows them to prepare for and survive the winter. Understanding the timing of this seasonal growth cessation in grapes is a key objective for scientists. If they can find genes that control it, they can help breeders develop more marketable cold-tolerant grapes. The wild grape species Vitis riparia is unusual among wild grapes because it stops growing when the day length drops below 13 hours, which occurs in late August in upstate New York, according to Amanda Garris, a geneticist at the ARS Grape Genetics Research Unit in Geneva, N.Y. Most other grape species are not sensitive to day length. Garris, ARS molecular biologist Christopher Owens, James Luby of the University of Minnesota, and Anne Fennel of South Dakota State University want to identify genes for day length sensitivity in V. riparia.

By Dennis O’Brien Agricultural Research Service

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The researchers crossed V. riparia with Seyval, a hybrid grape insensitive to day length. They raised some of the offspring in fields, with natural fluctuations of day length, rainfall and temperature. Others they raised in greenhouses where water and temperature levels remained constant, but artificial “day” lengths were gradually reduced to mimic conditions outside. They evaluated growth cessation patterns and mapped differences found in 120 DNA markers and six genes. They discovered that in greenhousegrown grapevines, a region of chromosome 13 is responsible for day-length-induced growth cessation. But in the field, the interaction of multiple cues such as day length, rainfall and temperature fluctuations is more likely to explain the timing of growth cessation. The study, considered a preliminary step toward identification of genes for day length sensitivity and growth cessation, was recently published in the Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Science. ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

HERITAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

attached like there might be in a designation situation. That means that the operating water system can be repaired, upgraded and maintained without hold-up. In fact, MacKenzie said any repairs to the system would be welcomed as important – after all, the function of the ditch is what is noteworthy in the first place. “Anything that would maintain the use of that site as a conduit for water would increase the heritage value,” he said. “As far as I am concerned, that is the main purpose of it being on the registry – to keep it going.” That is reassuring to Water Coun. Rick Machial, who was upset when he first heard the RDOS added the ditch to the registry without allowing town comment. “I was very concerned it might inhibit our ability to do upgrading and maintenance,” Machial said, adding that he has since found out that the registry rules aren’t like those of a designation. “I’m not too worried about it. It doesn’t have the same concern the designation would have.”

And in the future, if the town decides the ditch is no longer the best way to transport water through the valley? “If they want to do it differently, then by all means they can do it differently,” MacKenzie said, adding the details of such a system are not written in stone on the registry. “The function of transporting water would still be present.” Parts of the old ditch system will likely be left in place, though not functional, along the route. “It would simply serve as a reminder of where we have been as well as an appreciation of where we are now. Those things being present remind us of technology that was there in the past.” Other items added to the registry include the Haynes barn, the Boone residence, the Fairview Mountain Golf Course, the Norton Residence, the KVR right of way, and the Okanagan River Corridor.

Steve Wyse, owner of Osoyoos’s newest winery, checks the wine they are making this year, while his

New vineyard, winery near U.S. border

wife, Michelle Young, and daughter, Amber, watch.

By Laurena Weninger

It is the last property on the left side of Highway 97 before the U.S. border, and it used to be an orchard. Formerly owned by orchardist Bob Mitchell and used as a fruit cooperative, the site used to be the home to apple, cherry and apricot trees. But the property also boasts two huge coolers and a bay – perfect to house the fermenting tanks, said new owner Steve Wyse.

“We are very excited.” That includes the youngest member of the Young and Wyse Collection, who is five years old. “She’s our star cellar mopper,” said Wyse, about his daughter, Amber, and her contribution to the newest Osoyoos vineyard and winery.

This spring, Wyse, and his wife, Michelle Young, took out the four hectares of fruit trees and planted grapes. They are going to make wine, and are naming their business the Young and Wyse Collection.

At first, Steve and Michelle planned to call their new business the Black Sheep Winery. That was because Wyse has recently parted ways with his family’s winery, Burrowing Owl.

“We really picked grapes that we like, personally,” Wyse said. They chose gewurztraminer, viognier, malbec, zinfandel, and merlot.

“I was the winemaker there for 10 years,” Wyse explained, adding his wife, Michelle also worked there. “It is time to spread our wings and venture forth.”

They have planted using a low-water, drip irrigation system, said Wyse.

The name “Black Sheep” was already trademarked, so the couple fell back on their second choice – which has quickly become their first: Young and Wyse.

“We’re trying to go back to the (dry atmosphere) grapes are naturally from.” Their own vines will be bearing fruit in the fall of 2010 – but that didn’t stop them from getting going in their wine production. They had their first crush last fall, with grapes bought from a local vineyard. They are working on 18,000 cases of syrah, and 15,000 cases of merlot, to be released late this fall, or early winter.

The house on the property also has a built in garage that will eventually be renovated, and turned into a tasting room. “Nothing big,” Wyse said. “Small, and sort of a warm and family feeling.” The winery is listed in the 2009 issue of Wine Access Magazine’s Canadian Wine Annual, under their former name Black Sheep. Fall 2009 Growers Journal

VISION 2020 VISION VISION 2020 VISION VISION 2020 2020202

2009 Business Opportunities Conference

The Okanagan Nation Alliance is the Tribal Council of Westbank First Nation, Okanagan Indian Band, Osoyoos Indian Band, Upper Nicola Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Penticton Indian Band and Upper Similkameen Indian Band. We invite local, regional and national business people to come and meet with us to discuss emerging opportunities to do business with our Bands and Band members.

Keynote Speaker Chief Clarence Louie

Chief Jonathan Kruger

If you are a representative of a development company, business person, investor, financial institution, educational institution, politician, municipal government leader or simply an entrepreneur with a great idea then you should attend this conference. The Okanagan Nation Alliance member Bands are a progressive and business minded group that wish to engage with non-Aboriginal businesses and organizations to create successful business ventures.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip

VISION 2020 SEPTEMBER 22-23, 200 Luby Pow

SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER 22-23, 2009SEPTEMBER 22-23, 2009 22-23

Our Bands and Band members have land that they are interested in leasing to the agricultural community. Attend this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference and meet with key decision makers to discuss these opportunities. Montreal fruit picker David Lemieux-Bibeau was already out picking grapes, on Sept. 3, at Black Hills Estate Winery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a lot warmer than last year,â&#x20AC;? said assistant winemaker Steve Carberry, about why they are picking a bit early. The crew was out picking third-leaf Chardonnay, from a .3 acre block. The vineyard took the hardest hit in their Merlot, which is down 15 per cent, Carberry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Other than that, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pretty good.â&#x20AC;?

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CONTACT

Mori Vines Inc. R.R. #3, 1912 Concession 4, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 0HONE s &AX email: morivines@sympatico.ca

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inc.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance is proud to announce our 2009 Business Opportunities Conference at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on September 23rd. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference generated over $200 million in new economic development activity between the private sector and the Okanagan Nation. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the opportunity to become part of this ongoing success story.

Presentations include: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Understanding Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Media Opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;? | â&#x20AC;&#x153;Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust - Opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;? | â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twisting Online Media to your Advantageâ&#x20AC;? | Keynote Speaker - Chief Clarence Louie | â&#x20AC;&#x153;Branding - Reinforcing Your Brandâ&#x20AC;? | â&#x20AC;&#x153;Human Resource Strategiesâ&#x20AC;? | â&#x20AC;&#x153;Information Technologyâ&#x20AC;? | â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Nations Finance Authorityâ&#x20AC;?

SEPTEMBER 22-23, 2009

Networking Sessions: Each of our Bands and our Business Development Unit will have specific rooms available to allow for private meetings between participants and key decision makers from our Bands. Refreshments will be served during the morning and afternoon sessions, and a buffet lunch will be provided at noon.

SEPTEMBER 22-23, 2009

Geoff Greenwell

Peter Matejcek

Adam Less

Booth Space: Companies and organizations wishing to display information on their products and services may rent floor space for their own 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; booth for $750.00. This fee will also include 2 free delegate passes to the conference and a table and 2 chairs for the booth. Prominent placement of corporate images and verbal recognition will be given to our sponsors throughout the event.

Tony Peyton

Shelley Gilmore

There is a $149.00 fee to attend this ground breaking conference and space is limited to the first 400 attendees.

Sponsorship and Support

Room Reservations: Both The Sandman Hotel and The Ramada Inn are offering special rates for the Conference. Major sponsors: Sandman Hotel - sales_penticton@sandman.ca Ramada Inn - christy@pentictonramada.com Sponsored by:

Douglas MacLeod

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Fall 2009 Growers Journal

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