Orchard & Vine Pre Spring 2017 by Before & After Media

Recruiting Bumblebees Diversity in Table Grapes Expressing the Cowichan Terroir Passion for Apples at Taves Apple Barn Celebrating Canada's 150th Pre Spring 2017 $6.95

2017 Tractor Guide

Display Until April 15, 2017 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40838008 www.orchardandvine.net

To be selected,

FULL PAGE EXIREL #DUP-040-17

they need to be protected.

Use DuPont™ Exirel™ insecticide, powered by Cyazypyr™, early in the season to give your pome fruit, stone fruit and blueberries the head-start they need during the most critical stages of development. Exirel™ has fast acting, translaminar and xylem systemic movement so you’ll be protecting new growth from difficult chewing and sucking pests, including aphids, plum curculio, apple maggots, codling moth, Oriental fruit moths, leafrollers, weevils and spotted wing drosophila. Exirel™, powered by Cyazypyr™, an important part of an integrated pest management program.

Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit exirel.dupont.ca As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. Member of CropLife Canada. Unless indicated, trademarks with ®, ™ or SM are trademarks of DuPont or affiliates. © 2017 DuPont.

Sutherland SA Produce Cherry Growers | Packers | Exporters | Marketers

ATTN: BC CHERRY GROWERS Sutherland SA Produce is seeking quality growers, who desire above average industry returns. Working with our growers to strengthen quality, export yields, and profitability. Contact us, if you are interested in working with a reputable packer and marketer of Canadian cherries, and not currently under contract.

ED HUFFMAN SUTHERLAND SA PRODUCE 250-535-3255 Ed@Lapincherry.com www.cherries.global

Sutherland proudly works with BC Tree Fruits, Sukhi Orchards, Laughing Coyote Orchards, and many other Canadian growers.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proudly Canadianâ&#x20AC;?

Photo courtesy of TOTA

What's new in vineyard and orchard tractors. Page 27

Features

16 Commitment to Cowichan Terroir 19 Stretching Apples into Cider and Beyond 21 Winemakers Bring a World of Experience 23 2017 Tractor Guide 25 Safety in Orchards and Vineyards

46 Canada 150 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St.Lawrence Market

Photo by ?

37 Retaining Pollinator Population Year Round

Photo contributed

35 Diversity in Canadian-grown Table Grapes

Why the 2016 vintage of BC wine looks so great, from the BCWI. Page 4

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Regulars 6 Publisher's View – Lisa Olson 8 Calendar 9 News & Events 39 Seeds of Growth – Fred Steele 41 Word on Wine – Laura Kittmer 43 Legal Libations – Denese Espeut-Post

Research into how to retain a honey bee population after the cranberry bloom. Page 37

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 PUBLISHER’S VIEW | LISA OLSON

Gifts, Tricks and Contribution

Vol. 58, No 1 Pre Spring 2017

hat are you up to this spring? Have you been travelling to tradeshows, setting up booths, attending workshops, fine tuning your business strategy, or waiting for the weather to warm up so you can tend to your plants or plant new crops?

We all have gifts! The trick is to use our strengths as much as possible. The more we do the things we like to do, the happier we will be. Well, sometimes we do

Publisher Lisa Olson Graphic Design Stephanie Symons Contributors Lisa Braman, Michael Botner, Kim Elsasser, Denese Espeut-Post, Leo Gebert, Tamara Leigh, Ronda Payne, Carol Reid, Fred Steele

Photo by Kim Elsasser mpa

Are you feeling excited or tired? Maybe you are feeling a little bit of both. Take a moment to think about what comes easy to you . . . what you most like to do. Do you love working and collaborating with other people? Or do you prefer working alone, tucking yourself away in a quite place to think. Maybe a little bit of both. Are you the type of person who is good with numbers or thrives on getting stuff done, checking items off your list gives you a good feeling of accomplishment. Do people come to you because you are able to see the big picture, lend a good ear or are the handy type that can fix anything? Some have a green thumb and love to produce food. You get the idea and likely know a few others that fit into one or more of these categories. There are more and we can each fit into more than one. The things that come easy to you; these are your gifts. I’ve learned this through a workshop with Meaghan Alton, an Economist and Business Growth Strategist who says, “When you say to others, 'Oh that’s easy, I can do that, then that, is one of your gifts, your zone of genius.“

Established in 1959

Sales, Marketing & Social Media Manager Holly Thompson

things the hard way, but that’s another topic. It’s good to call on the assistance of others too and utilize their natural abilities (usually the stuff we don’t like to do). During these tumultuous political times, think of what you can do to make a contribution. You may think that you have nothing to contribute. We all have something to contribute, even simple gestures like a smile, holding the door open, growing health food, repairing something, offering good quality and fair pricing, even paying full price sometimes. Use your unique gifts, your smile and your service and you will feel good while making a contribution. I hope you enjoy reading the contributors inside this edition.

Circulation info@orchardandvine.net Orchard & Vine Magazine Ltd. 1576 West Kelowna Road West Kelowna, B.C., V1Z 3H5 E-mail: info@orchardandvine.net www.orchardandvine.net Phone: 250-769-2123 Fax: 1-866-433-3349 Orchard & Vine Magazine is published six times a year and distributed by addressed mail to growers, suppliers and wineries in the Okanagan, Kootenays, Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Washington State and throughout Canada. Orchard & Vine is also available online. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40838008

Providing Canadian Grapevine Solutions BRITISH COLUMBIA Nathan Phillips p. 250-809-6040 bcsales@vinetech.ca 6

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QUEBEC Alexandre Jacquel p. 905.984.4324 qcsales@vinetech.ca

NOVA SCOTIA Ian Kaye p. 902.740.2493 nssales@vinetech.ca

ONTARIO Wes Wiens/Tina Tourigny p. 905.984.4324 sales@vinetech.ca

Undeliverable copies should be sent to: 1576 West Kelowna Road West Kelowna, BC V1Z 3H5

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As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. Member of CropLife Canada. Unless indicated, trademarks with ®, ™ or SM are trademarks of DuPont or affiliates. © 2017 DuPont.

Pre Spring 2017

 PRE SPRING | CALENDAR

Wind Machines “Dependable Frost Protection” Protect your crops with the smart choice

OKANAGAN/THOMPSON/SIMILKAMEEN WEB Metal Fabricators Ltd. 3650 Hwy 97 S, Osoyoos, BC Sales: Rob Webster Phone: 250-495-7245 Cell: 250 485 8862 wmetfab@telus.net warm.wind.maker@gmail.com ONTARIO Lakeview Vineyard Equipment Inc. 40 Lakeshore Rd. RR #5, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Phone: 905-646-8085 Toll Free: 1-866-677-4717 sales@lvequipment.ca www.lakeviewvineyardequipment.com

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BC Tree Fruit Horticultural Symposium February 15 Trinity Baptist Church, Kelowna, BC Contact Ruth 778-214-1404 BC Cherry Association AGM February 16 Ramada Inn, Kelowna, BC Contact erin@bccherry.com COABC Conference Certified Organic Association of BC February 24-26 Namaimo, BC www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention February 22-23 Niagara Falls, ON www.ofvc.ca BC Association of Farmers’ Markets Conference & AGM March 3-5 New Westminster, BC www.bcfarmersmarket.org ProWein 2016 March 19-21 Dusseldorf, Germany www.prowein.com VinItaly 2017 April 9-12 Verona, Italy www.vinitaly.com Bloom BC VQA Spring Release May 19 Vancouver. BC www.winebc.org

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VinExpo 2017 June 18-22 Bordeaux, France www.vinexpo.com 18th Annual BC Enology & Viticulture Conference July 17-18 Penticton, BC www.bcwgc.org

 PRE SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

She's Got the Power: Oldfield Honoured as Industry Trailblazer Tinhorn Creek Vineyards’ CEO Sandra Oldfield has been named as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women. Oldfield was named a Top 100 award winner in the Sun Life Financial Trailblazers & Trendsetters category of the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) 2016 Canada’s Most Powerful Women. When WXN Awards were launched in 2003, WXN wanted to highlight the incredible accomplishments of professional women across Canada. Founded in 1997, WXN is Canada’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in management,

executive, professional and board roles. “I’m honoured to be recognized as a trailblazer and have the opportunity, as a female CEO in the wine industry, to act as a role model for younger generations and my peers,” says Sandra Oldfield. “At Tinhorn Creek we strive to be at the forefront of the industry; pushing boundaries and setting trends to promote Canadian wine.” Oldfield was one of the few BC female winemakers when Tinhorn Creek Vineyards opened over 20 years ago and now one of the few female CEOs in the Canadian wine industry.

Government of Canada Invests Heavily in Mazza Innovation The Canadian Government has announced a $1.1 million investment in Mazza Innovation to expand their plant extract production facility in Delta, British Columbia. The investment is enabling Mazza to install innovative drying technology and expand its laboratory. This expansion will help Mazza to meet growing global demand for phytonutrients, which give plants their vibrant colours and are used as an ingredient for functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics and beauty products. Mazza also provides custom services and analyses for companies and partners with unique proprietary botanical ingredient challenges and opportunities. This funding builds on a previous Cdn $300,000 federal investment the company received to develop an advanced new method of extracting phytonutrients and bioactives from plants using the most natural solvent possible: water. "The Government of Canada is proud to support Mazza Innovation in developing and commercializing their innovative plant extraction technology," said Minister of Sport and Persons withDisabilities Carla Qualtrough. "This is a solid example of the Government partnering with agri-based companies on innova

Mazza Innovation president Benjamin Lightburn; Canadian Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, Carla Qualtrough, Mazza Innovation CFO Sean Hodgins.

tions that add value to agricultural products, create good local jobs and bring economic prosperity to the agricultural sector and to our community of Delta." Mazza’s PhytoClean™ fully natural extraction process uses pressurized water as a natural solvent to extract clean phytonutrients and bioactive ingredients from plants. It can also apply this process

and its in-house technical expertise to identify and analyze any botanical biomass for previously undiscovered highvalue nutrients. Mazza also won innovation awards for its ingredients at the 2015 Engredea tradeshow in Anaheim, California. www.mazzainnovation.com

Pre Spring 2017

î Ž PRE SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

An invasive agricultural pest that can cause extensive damage to crops has been discovered in Kelowna, the second confirmed sighting in the Okanagan.

smooth shoulder

The bug can be devastating to tree fruits, berries, grapes, vegetables and ornamental plants. The ministry has conducted outreach to growers and the general public for brown marmorated stink bugs since 2010. It is increasing 2017 efforts through a multi-agency surveillance and monitoring plan, after the bugs were found in B.C. for the first time in 2016. A few were identified in Penticton in the spring and summer, and several more in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver and Chilliwack. The bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can be moved in shipping containers, wood, wood-packing material, cargo and vehicles The bug does not pose a risk to people, but can be devastating to tree fruits, berries, grapes, vegetables and ornamental plants, and a nuisance to homeowners as the adults aggregate on and in buildings while seeking warm overwintering sites.

CELEBRATING CANADAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 150TH

The brown marmorated stink bug, a native pest of Asia, was first identified in North America in Pennsylvania in 2001. It has since spread throughout the midAtlantic states and is present in California, Oregon and Washington. The adults

10 Pre Spring 2017

alternating "checkerboard" pattern at the back end

brown antennae with two light bands

brownish speckled body

Some clues to identifying the Brown Marmorated Stink but courtesy of PJ Liesch, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology.

are brown, about 13 to 17 mm long, and can be distinguished from other brown stink bugs by the presence of distinctive white bands on the antennae and their tendency to cluster together in groups.

The bug is a very serious pest that feeds on more than 100 different plant species and causes tens-of-millions of dollars of fruit losses annually in the United States.

Report any suspect brown marmorated stink bug to the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture In the Lower Mainland: Tracy Hueppelsheuser Ministry of Agriculture Tracy.Hueppelsheuser@gov.bc.ca

In the Southern Interior: Susanna Acheampong Ministry of Agriculture Susanna.Acheampong@gov.bc.ca

u o Y nk a h T BCAC wishes to extend our thanks to all our sponsors & supporters who helped make our

2017 BC AGRIFOOD GALA

a great success. Your contributions are appreciated!

CHAMPION

Scotiabank ALLY AgSafe Bank of Montreal Finning (Canada) HUB International Insurance Brokers Investment Agriculture Foundation RBC Valley Pulp Carriers WorkSafe BC

Celebrating BC agriculture!

PARTNER Farm Credit Canada

BENEFACTOR BC Dairy Association Country Life in BC CREW Marketing Environmental Farm Plan Kubota Prins Greenhouses Quality Hotel & Conference Centre Tim Hortons United Flower Growers West Coast Reduction YVR

PATRON BC Egg Marketing Board BC Milk Marketing Board Clearbrook Grain & Milling Kinder Morgan Modern Ag Orchard & Vine Magazine SRCTec Singletree Winery UBC Faculty of Land Systems University of the Fraser Valley

Photo by PJ Liesch, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology, Twitter: @WiBugGuy

Keep an Eye Out for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

f i g. 4

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î Ž PRE SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Celebrate Cedar Creek's 30th with a Free Tasting and Pairing

Photo by CedarCreek Estate Winery, cedarcreek.bc.ca

Turning 30 is something to celebrate. So take the time to visit CedarCreek and help them celebrate. On the 30th of each month in 2017, they are offering free tastings at the winery paired with delicious small bites. Purchased in 1986, CedarCreek released its first wines in 1987. It was one of the first eight pioneering wineries of BC. With four generations of agricultural heritage and more than three decades of experience Cedarcreek has produced some of the valley's best wines resulting in CedarCreek being twice recognized as "Canada's Winery of the Year".

Holy Crap! Holy Crap gets BuyLocal Funding from Province business success story. The gluten-free, vegan, certified organic breakfast cereals are made in the Gibsons. Their newest cereal, Blue, coming soon features local blueberries as the anchor ingredient.

The B.C. governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buy Local program program is delivering a combined total of up to $101,200 of funding to three local companies. International Herbs Ltd. received $49,285 to increase local sales in the 2016 fiscal year as well as increase consumer awareness and recognition in the local community as a leader in the specialty produce industry. Activities include updating the company website, holding in-store demos, producing brochures and recipe cards, social media advertising and participating in tradeshows. International Herbs is a young, exciting, and growing agricultural company supported by professionals in the fresh produce industry. As a small family-run operation in Surrey, the company offers a wide array of specialty products such as fresh culinary herbs, edible flowers, baby vegetables, baby lettuce and gourmet salads. Left Coast Naturals received $42,143 to increase sales volume and revenue for Hippie Foods by developing marketing materials, new packaging for products and new branding efforts. Left Coast Naturals, a manufacturer and distributor based in Burnaby, is producing organic and natural foods. The com12 Pre Spring 2017

The Buy Local program has received $8 million in B.C. government funding since 2012 to increase sales of locally grown and processed agrifood and seafood products within the province.

pany distributes nearly 30 brands, 200 bulk foods, and two brands of their own - Hippie Foods and Left Coast Bulk Foods - to grocery, specialty and natural food stores throughout British Columbia. HapiFoods Group Inc.received $9,799.00 to increase sales in the hospitality, vending and convenience store sector and in grocery stores with in-store demonstrations, developing marketing materials and launching a website campaign. HapiFoods Group Inc. makes Holy Crap cereal. Creators of the artisan cereal, Corin and Brian Mullins, are a husband and wife team that started the company in 2009 and have grown the business in a few short years to an award-winning

The provincial government's Buy Local program is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia. Applications are available at: http://iafbc.ca/funding-opportunities/ buy-local/

Correction In our Year End 2016 article "Cool Fuji Heads South" we incorrectly state that "Growers both north and south of the border have planted orchards with Arctic varieties." To date only orchards in the United States have planted these varieties.

 PRE SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Half Corked Runner-up as Canada's Tourism Event of the Year Winners of this year’s Canadian Tourism Awards Gala were announced Nov. 30 in Gatineau, Quebec, where the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association was nominated for the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Event of the Year Award. The event is hosted each year by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada Tourism Congress. Half Corked was a runner up in a strong category won by FIFA The

annual

Half

Corked

Marathon

weaves racers through the beautiful vineyards of the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country, sampling wines and fine food along the route.

The race is growing in popularity with the 4,500 lottery entries for the 1,100 spots available for the 2017 marathon.

Created by the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, and inspired by the legendary Medoc Marathon in Bordeaux, the Half Corked Marathon is a celebration of the Golden Mile and Black Sage Road benches connecting the communities of Oliver and Osoyoos.

www.OkanaganFarms.com

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EAST KELOWNA 12.3 level ALR acres with panoramic lake and city views. Apple orchard, well-kept small farm house and picker quarters. Terrific location just minutes to downtown. Walk to McCulloch Station. MLS® $1,655,000

EAST KELOWNA Custom built 3300 sf+ home on 12.65 acres planted to high density apple orchard - Gala, Spartan & Golden. Peaceful park like setting with creative outdoor patios & seating areas throughout. MLS® $1,498,000

SOUTHEAST KELOWNA Acreage with quaint country home surrounded by organic peach orchard. Renovate or start fresh with beautiful building sites. Just minutes to downtown. MLS® $749,000.

EAST KELOWNA 19.9 ACRES near the Harvest Golf Club. Central location just minutes from town. Panoramic Orchard and City views. Approximately 13 acres arable, with 10 acres planted to modern profitable cherry orchard. MLS® $1,850,000

WESTBANK CENTRE Centrally located acreage. Astounding close up views of Okanagan Lake. 19.17 acre parcel (approx 17.5 arable) offers potential building site ideal for dynamic views to the south and east. Rated class 2 in Grape Atlas. MLS® $2,195,000

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KELOWNA Independently owned and operated toll free: (800) 663-5770

www.GeenByrne.com Pre Spring 2017 13

 PRE SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

B.C. Changes Regulations to Highlight Local Terroir As a follow up to the results of a B.C. wine industry plebiscite the B.C. government has updated the Wines of Marked Quality Regulation so B.C. wineries can more easily identify and promote the terroir and flavours specific to the areas where their grapes and wines are produced.

Geographic indications are a standard element of the various appellation systems that exist in B.C. and around the world and simultaneously help consumers identify wines in the marketplace and provide assurance to shoppers of the origin and quality of the wine. The new regulation supports the process of making official sub-geographical indications easier, and includes B.C. wine grape growers that do not produce wine, as well as wineries, in the process. The changes are the first to follow the work of the Wine Appellation Task Group, which oversaw an industry led review of the appellation system for wines produced from 100% B.C. grapes.

Photo courtesy of TOTA

"This is great progress for the B.C. wine industry," said Ezra Cipes, CEO Summerhill Pyramid Winery. "Adding these details to B.C.'s wine map will help international markets understand the enthusiasm for our land and the beauty of our wines. ”

Victoria has changed the provincial regulation that governs how B.C. wineries label their wines to include three recommendations from the industry. • B.C. wines that have an approved sub-geographical indication on the label, such as Golden Mile Bench, also must have the larger geographical identifier, Okanagan Valley, on the label. • Future votes on new sub-geographical regions will also be open to grape growers who do not produce wine. • Wines produced in a proposed new subregion no longer must consistently demonstrate specific distinctive characteristics linked to the terroir.

Almost 90% of BC's Planned Liquor Reforms Now in Effect An updated Liquor Control and Licencing Act came into force on Jan. 23, creating new opportunities for businesses, increasing convenience for consumers and enhancing the Province’s commitment to social responsibility. “B.C. wines are gaining international recognition, we are seeing more breweries and distilleries creating jobs across the province, consumers are no longer restricted by outdated regulations. ” said John Yap, Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Review. The Liquor Policy Review made 73 recommendations to update antiquated laws 14 Pre Spring 2017

for British Columbians and reduce red tape. With the new legislation and regulations coming into effect, nearly 90% of the Liquor Policy Review recommendations have now been implemented. For BC wineries the highlights of the changes include: • Creating a new interprovincial trade agreement so vintners can list their wine with distributors in Quebec and Ontario. • Allowing retailers to charge for liquor samples to recoup cost of sampling higher-end product. • Allowing event organizers to apply online for a single Special Event Permit that

covers multiple events over several days. • All types of businesses, like barbershops, salons, book stores and art galleries, can apply for a liquor licence, giving them opportunities to generate new revenue. • Non-licensees can mention liquor in advertising, as long as they aren’t promoting it. This permits the development of promotional materials, such as maps, apps and brochures to promote B.C.’s wineries, distilleries and breweries. • Manufacturers may offer patrons liquor other than what is produced on-site.

 PRE SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Canada's Largest Wine Brand Back in Canadian Hands By Michael Botner

the pensions of Ontario’s 316,000 active members and retired teachers and holds a diverse global portfolio.

In the closing days of 2016, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan completed the acquisition of Constellation Brands’ Canadian wine business for $1.03 billion (CDN). It represents the return to Canadian ownership of the country’s largest wine business, and the “market leader in Canada with approximately three times the market share of its closest competitor and 7 of the top 20 wine brands.” With production facilities in B.C., Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, the company boasts eight wineries - 3 commercial and 5 estate – as well as 1,700 acres of vineyards and 163 Wine Rack stores throughout Ontario. In B.C., premium wines are produced at Jackson-Triggs Okanagan, Inniskillin Wines, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery and See Ya Later Ranch. Ontario Teachers continues their partnership in the joint venture with Os-

oyoos Indian Band, majority owners of the Nk’Mip Cellars. In 2005, Constellation Brands, a publiclytraded, U.S. company based in Victor, New York, a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits, acquired Canada’s Mississauga-based, publicly-traded Vincor International. The recent deal with Ontario Teachers brings ownership of Canada’s largest wine company back to Canadian hands. An independent organization headquartered in Toronto, the fully-funded, defined benefit plan, which invests and administers

According to BC wine pioneer Harry McWatters the purchase is a natural progression for both Constellations’ Canadian wine business and Ontario Teachers. “I am thrilled by the repatriation,” says McWatters, who founded Sumac Ridge, See Ya Later Ranch, and Encore Vineyards. “After all, Ontario Teachers ranked as Vincor International’s largest shareholder before the 2005 sale. I think that the pension plan has been watching and waiting for this opportunity.” Also, they have brought back the same president as before, Jay Wright, who has moved back to Canada from the U.S. operation. “It is quite a bit of change but most of the employees I know are encouraged,” he says.

GET MORE LABEL – Tell your story in more detail

– Add a recipe that compliments your wine Discover how the new Jet Reveal Label can help you stick out www.jet-label.com Call our Vancouver office today at 604-574-2559, ask for Nicole Champagne, Kari Sandiford or Jaime Phillips. Or, call our head office toll-free at 1-866-440-5135

Pre Spring 2017 15

Commitment to Tradition & Simplicity By Tamara Leigh In a quiet corner of the Cowichan Valley, Mike and Robin Nierychlo are making what is soon to be one of Vancouver Island’s worst kept secrets – a sauvignon blanc that has customers knocking down the door for more. “Sauvignon blanc is our cult-followed wine,” says Mike. “I came to Vancouver Island to make pinot noir – this is the perfect climate to make pinot noir – but one of reasons we purchased this property is because it had sauvignon blanc on it. We have the oldest sauvignon blanc plantings on the island, they are 16 years old now.” Mike and Robin bought the property in 2013, and started work to restore the 6.5-acre vineyard that was suffering from years of neglect. They named their vineyard Emandare, a phonetic combination of their initials ‘M’ and ‘R’ to symbolize their joint vision and commitment to their dream of growing and making wine with an Old World aesthetic.

Photos contributed

Our whole philosophy reflects the Old World, and doing things the old way… we farm completely organic… our wine making is all done naturally as well. - Mike Nierychio

Sauvignon blanc grapes in the Emandare vineyard. 16 Pre Spring 2017

Mike Nierychlo tasting the wine at Emandare Vineyards.

Allows Cowichan Terroir to Shine

“Our whole philosophy reflects the Old World, and doing things the old way,” Mike explains. “We farm completely organic, because back then that’s the only way you could farm. We dry farm, there’s no irrigation on the property. Our wine making is all done naturally as well – it’s all wild yeast fermentation, and there is very little commercial intervention in our product.” For Mike, Emandare’s winemaker, the commitment to tradition and simplicity in growing and making the wines, allows the terroir to really shine through. “Sauvignon blanc and pinot noir are both incredibly transparent varieties that reflect a sense of place,” he says. “Sauvignon blanc is a slow ripening variety, but still very well suited to a cool climate. It needs a long season like we have on Vancouver Island. We start in April and often harvest at the end of September, and then we have this heat in the summer.” Mark has been advocating for other Island growers to plant sauvignon blanc, but to date there are only two other plantings he is aware of, including Roger Dosman at Alderlea Vineyard. With so many varietals competing for acreage, having something different puts Emandare in a good position with the local market. “I think people are a little hesitant to pull something out to put sauvignon blanc in, but for us it was already here,” says Robin, who manages the vineyard. “We don’t have ortega or pinot gris, like many of the other wineries do. We want to offer something different so when people are wine touring they aren’t always tasting the same three varieties at every vineyard.” The couple supplemented the original block of sauvignon blanc on the property with another 1.5 acres last spring. In keeping with “the old way,” they took cuttings from their original vines, and propagated them in pots, thinning out the weaker plants and planting the successfully rooted cuttings instead of using rootstock.

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I wish I could take credit for being the pioneer who planted it, but I’m really glad that it’s here and we planted more of it. - Mike Nierychio

It will be another five years before Emandare Vineyard will be able to increase their production, but in the meantime the following continues to grow. With a different flavour profile from sauvignon blanc grown in northern France or southern New Zealand, it holds promise as a uniquely Vancouver Island wine. “It tastes completely different. You would assume it would have bright citrus notes because of our cold climate, but the best way I can describe it is fresh orchard fruit,” says Mike. “It has round melon flavours, round and soft, not tropical. It’s a really neat wine.”

Photos contributed

“I wish I could take credit for being the pioneer who planted it, but I’m really glad that it’s here and we planted more of it.” he adds. ■

Mike and Robin Nierychlo above, with images of Emandare Vineyard from the grapes to wine. 18 Pre Spring 2017

Photos by Ronda Payne

Stretching Apples into Cider and Beyond

Loren and Corinne Taves have a passion for apple farming, and make a mighty fine apple cider as well.

By Ronda Payne Loren Taves will tell you, you can’t possibly run a U-pick apple orchard without having a cider mill as well. They go hand-in-hand, like U-pick pumpkins, petting zoos, corn mazes, specialty vegetables and a wide range of agritourism style activities that Taves, his wife Corinne and their eight children bring to life each late summer and fall at Taves Family Farms in Abbotsford, near the U.S. border. Farming is the core of this family. They’ve been at it for three generations in the south Fraser Valley and as is the case for most farmers, to the Taves, it’s more than an occupation, it’s a passion. “I just love growing food,” he says. “Crops, nature, growing things. I love it.” Many people may be surprised at the Taves' ability to grow high quality apples in the Fraser Valley, but they have nine varieties on a 12 acre orchard which in

“It’s hard to say when the idea to make cider began… originally in the early 1990s, a handcranking machine was used.

- Summer Dhillon clude: Janagold (the premier apple in the orchard), Honeycrisp, Gravenstein, Spartan, Ambrosia, Alkmene, Fuji, Gala and Elstar. Many have struggled to grow apples successfully in the Lower Mainland, but Taves has proven it can be done. In fact, the family has done so for more than 25 years and recently planted a few more acres. Most varieties are available as U-pick, but some are only offered for purchase on-site at the Applebarn Country Store. When visitors come to U-pick apples,

there are always some that don’t fit their desires. Taves strategically places bins throughout the alleys and at the grading station for the slightly bruised, wrong variety, “kids shouldn’t have picked that one” and pock-marked apples that he later uses to make apple cider. It’s a winwin when visitors get the apples they want while providing the apples for the next batch of cider. What began as a by-product of having a U-pick apple operation grew to have its own following. Pre Spring 2017 19

With the help of Summer Dhillon’s marketing expertise, the Taves have been getting the word out about what they do, how they do it and why it’s important. They’ve also been creating new products they hope will be popular in retail markets, much like the Taves Applebarn pure apple cider, which has been well received in a variety of locations. A pair of grants through Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAFBC) have helped get ideas from the orchard to market shelves. The first grant, in 2015, helped to expand the reach for Taves Applebarn Cider, which is made only from cold-pressed apples. No sugar, no additives, nothing but the apples from the farm. It’s a non-alcoholic apple cider that tastes like what it is: pure apple juices.

“It’s hard to say when the idea to make cider began, as cider has been made by the Taves for some time,” Dhillon says. “In fact, originally in the early 1990s, a hand-cranking machine was used.” Inside the Applebarn Country Store visitors can watch the cold pressing and pick up a bottle of the freshly made cider along with a variety of other items sold in the store. In-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant along with more unique offerings like cucamelons, josta berries, mini cukes and currants are available along with honey products, baked goods, preserves, pickles and whatever else fits. “They can get a bottle that was just pressed an hour before,” Taves explains of the cider. The country store closes for the season on November 1 each year, yet those who tried the cider wanted it year-round. Demand grew and local retailers like select IGA and Save-On-Foods locations started carrying it. “The store managers have mentioned that they are interested in carrying more products once we make them available,” notes Dhillon. Knowing the cider is so well received, the Taves plan to expand and possibly 20 Pre Spring 2017

Photos by Ronda Payne

Dhillon notes it’s the quality of the apples that makes the cider taste so good and adds that each year the taste will vary slightly depending upon growing conditions and yields of various apples. Overall, though, she says the taste is quite consistent.

The Taves at the Apple Barn Country Store.

purchase more land and grow larger orchards.” Which leads to the second grant, which will help create another specialty apple cider and other apple products intended for sale at both the Applebarn Country Store and through retailers. These products will be items that can easily be supplied to retailers such as those in jars, bottles or other semi-durable packaging. “We’re working on a gooseberry cider,” Taves notes. “Because the cider is so good for everyone, we want to provide as much of it as we can for as many people as possible,” Dhillon adds. The new flavour is a natural fit given the apples and both red and green gooseberries are grown on the farm. The IAFBC grants help make product development possible when costs are high in the trial stages. “It helps supply the beginning capital you need to get started,” Taves says. “Quite a few products aren’t economi-

cal to make when they are small quantity products but this helps with that. It certainly doesn’t cover all the costs, but it helps with a hurdle to creating products that might take off and become mainstream.” Dhillon sees great potential for others wanting to establish apple orchards in the Fraser Valley due to the mostly unrealized apple-suitable climate. “With the Taves being first-to-market, it flattens the learning curve for farmers that might be interested in growing orchards,” Dhillon says. “Loren Taves is so friendly and helpful, he will assist anyone looking to get in.” The Taves are already seeing support of their operation and for their products by a variety of organization like Abbotsford Tourism that coordinates events and activities like Circle Farm Tours and press trips. Dhillon believes establishing the Fraser Valley as an apple destination will create more critical mass as has been seen with the growing wine industry in the area. ■

Winemakers Bring a World of Experience By Michael Botner Scott Robinson – Winemaker, Little Engine Wines Asked about his goal as winemaker of Little Engine Wines, Scott Robinson answers pointedly ,“My winemaking style shows in the wines. The wines should speak for themselves. That is always my motto.” His confidence and qualifications are well-suited to Little Engine’s high aspirations. Launched in 2016 by Steven and Nicole French, long-time wine enthusiasts who moved to Penticton from Calgary only five years ago, the property encompasses a six-acre vineyard beside the winery and a nearby eight-acre vineyard. The emphasis is on Chardonnay, which makes up 30 per cent of the winery’s initial 2,500 case production. Given the mandate to stop at nothing to make incredible wines, Robinson is in his element. Trained as a kinesiologist, with a professional degree from Simon Fraser University, he developed a passion for wine after traveling to Margaret River in Australia with his wife Danielle and visiting many wineries. When they moved to the Okanagan from Vancouver in 2005, he divided his time between kinesiology, winery work and winery assistant courses at Okanagan College. The University of Adelaide beckoned and, in 2009, he graduated with a masters with distinction in oenology. He returned to the Okanagan to take a winemaking position at La Frenz Winery from 2009 to 2012. It was the 2015 collapse of Stable Door Cellars, which he joined as winemaking partner in 2013, that made it possible for Robinson to sign on with Little Engine. Asked to share a few of the techniques and strategies in his toolbox, Robinson says, “With my background in microbiology, I am comfortable using natural ferments and malolactic ferments and encouraging mixed culture ferments. Temperature control is essential to all phases of winemaking. I employ small batch techniques to give myself plenty of blending components.”

Scott Robinson of Little Engine Wines.

Pascal Madevon Turns to Vine & Wine Consulting If not heaven, the Okanagan is the surely the next best place for Pascal Madevon. The Bordeaux-trained winemaker’s impressive credentials include making top notch Okanagan wines since moving to the Okanagan from France in 2001. Looking to expand his horizons, he took the giant leap and started a vine and wine consultancy business, “Pascal Madevon Signature”. After a 10-year stint as winemaker and vineyard manager at Château Tour Blanche in Bordeaux, Madevon was hired to manage the South-Okanagan-based vineyard and winery facility for Osoyoos Larose, a joint venture between Groupe Taillon and Vincor Canada (currently known as Constellation Brands). In 2013, he was lured by Don Triggs to play a key role in building Culmina Family Estate Winery. Along with his new venture, he continues to provide initial training and assistance to Culmina’s new winemaker, Jean-Marc Enixon.

Photos contributed

At Culmina, he managed the 2016 crush. “After explaining the ins and outs of the system and strategies, I am now only involved in an as needed basis,” Madevon says. At Liber Farm & Winery, a 7 acre property with an artisanal approach to winemaking launched in 2016 at the south end of the Similkameen Valley, Madevon is tasked with providing

Vine and wine consultant Pascal Madevon.

Pre Spring 2017 21

assistance and training in all areas of the operation from managing the vineyard to pumping juice over the cap during fermentation and cleaning barrels prior to use. For One Faith Vineyards, an off-the-grid producer of handcrafted, small lot wines, Madevon also serves as spokesperson at prestigious wine events. From sourcing land and equipment, crop thinning and recruitment to winery design and blending, Madevon brings, a classically-trained expert viticulturist and oenologist, along with his impressive credentials and experience. He counts teaching and training clients, sharing his expertise and knowledge, as one of his passions. Stressing the diverse conditions, equipment and people in the stretch of wine growing between Kamloops and Osoyoos, Madevon explains: “The experience I’ve acquired over the last seven months, I never had in the past 15 years.” Jean-Marc Enixon – Vineyard Manager and Winemaker, Culmina Family Estate Winery France is also the country of origin for Culmina’s new winemaker, Jean-Marc Enixon. A recent arrival to the South Okanagan, he worked briefly at Osoyoos Larose, but soon found the ideal fit as Culmina’s vineyard manager and winemaker. From a rural area of Charente, the region famous for Cognac he obtained a National Engineering Diploma in Agriculture at the Purpan Engineering School in Toulouse. Focusing on winemaking and viticulture, he spent an entire year “researching the relationship between vine water stress and grape maturity.” After a couple of vintages in Sonoma County and in the province of Gansu, China, Enixon returned to France to work as the winemaking director of Château Puy Guilhem, a winery located in the hills of Saillans, in the Fronsac appellation northwest of St. Emilion. AOC Fronsac is a bastion of red wine produced primarily from Cabernet Franc. After the sale of that business to a Chinese group in 2014, Enixon began to search the world for opportunities to craft wine. And the Okanagan Valley is the better for it.

Jean-Marc Enixon Vineyard Manager and Winemaker at Culmina Winery.

Dave Carson – Winemaker, Jackson Triggs Okanagan Jackson-Triggs Okanagan found their head winemaker right within its own ranks. No stranger to the organization, Dave Carson has been the senior winemaker of Constellation Brands West since 2007 and head of winemaking at See Ya Later Ranch since 2003. Highlights of Carson’s distinguished career includes eight years as assistant winemaker at Sumac Ridge Estate Winery and experience working with traditional bottle fermented sparkling wines as part of the original development of the Stellar’s Jay brand for Sumac Ridge. With many years of hands-on winemaking experience, Carson returned to school and completed his formal winemaking training through the University of California at Davis. Dave Saysomsack – Winemaker, See Ya Later Ranch

Photos contributed

Born in Laos and raised in the farming community of Abbotsford, Saysomsack followed his heart to pursue winemaking professionally. After completing an honours degree in oenology and viticulture at Brock University, he has worked in Ontario, California, Oregon, New Zealand and, since 2011, BC. After a year as winemaker at Burrowing Owl Vineyards, he left the position when illness struck his baby daughter.

Dave Carson, senior winemaker of CB West, named head winemaker at Jackson-Triggs Okanagan (left). David Saysomsack head of winemaking at See Ya Later Ranch (right).

22 Pre Spring 2017

Taking over from winemaking veteran Dave Carson, he aims to follow in Dave’s footsteps and make high quality, fruit forward wines and focus on slight style changes such as “yeast selection and different times to take off the lees,” he says. “Down the pipeline, I see a higher end Pinot Noir because, if we choose the best rows, some of our fruit is better than our current blended wine.” ■

Photo by Leo Gebert St Hubertus & Oak Bay Vineyards

ORCHARD & VINE TRACTOR GUIDE PART 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SURVEY

Orchard & Vine Readers Talk Tractors It's time to focus on tractors. The Pacific Ag Show was in January and Orchard & Vine Magazine went to Abbotsford to see what's new in tractors and equipment. We follow up the PAS with a listing of tractor models and information you might need to make that important tractor purchase. Orchard & Vine also sent out a survey to get to know a little more about how our readers make a tractor purchase. We asked a few questions and collected a few comments from our online survey. We were also intrigued by the new site people are calling the 'Tinder for Tractors' (or for those not into online dating the 'air bnb'). On this site you can rent out local equipment from local people, or list your equipment for rent. These rentals come from within the community rather than an equipment dealer.

How many tractors do you own right now? 30% OWN 1 TRACTOR 39% OWN 2-3 TRACTORS 17% OWN 4-6 TRACTORS 13% OVER 6 TRACTORS

When was the last time you bought a tractor?

24% WITHIN 12 MONTHS

30% WITHIN LAST 3-5 YEARS

We are always interested in getting feed back from our readers and if you are interested in taking part in further surveys send in your email address to:

46% OVER 6 YEARS AGO

info@orchardandvine.net

Pre Spring 2017 23

ORCHARD & VINE TRACTOR GUIDE PART 1 – SURVEY How often do you replace a tractor?

Do you buy new or used tractors? 56% NEW • 18% USED • 27% NEW & USED

15% 4-6 YEARS 39%

Depends on usage. Our loaders get replaced when they are tired but our workhorse tractors for spraying and other high rpm implements are replaced faster.

OVER 7 YEARS 46% WHEN I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO

UT YOU

"Too valuable to have it damaged." ~ "Insurance could be a limiting factor." ~ "We are renting equipment all the time."

My tractors are specialty vineyard tractors and I subscribe to the old adage 'if you want anything broken, lend it'. If there are people that don't want the expense of their own equipment, use a contractor for key certain jobs and hire a tractor.

U YO

RENT A TRAC TO R ?

WO U

NO 68%

YES ONLY TO 9% FRIENDS & FAMILY 24%

WOU LD

NT O RE

T AC

The sharing economy has expanded to include tractor and equipment rentals by individuals. There is a new online listing site for renting out your tractor or other equipment when not in use. Also for renting other peoples tractors or equipment in your area.

MAYBE 27%

YES 31%

NO 42%

I have two tractors for that reason, to make sure I never get caught short. I can use both tractors with two operators when playing catchup for whatever reason. 24 Pre Spring 2017

ORCHARD & VINE TRACTOR GUIDE PART 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SAFETY

Improving Safety in Orchards and Vineyards

griculture continues to rank among the most dangerous industries in North America with far too many fatalities and serious injuries continuing to be recorded every year. It is an ongoing challenge to improve safety in any industry and agriculture is no exception. Among the many approaches to improve safety, at a site, is the Certificate of Recognition program. AgSafe is available to walk with you every step of the way in achieving the WorkSafeBC Certificate of Recognition (COR). COR is a reward for creating, developing and maintaining a culture of safety documented and verifiable in an active and alive health and safety program. It is important to integrate your health and safety activities and the guiding program into all your business processes. Having an effective health and safety management system improves your ability to continuously identify hazards and control risks in your workplace. COR is an incentive program that recognizes and rewards employers for implementing an effective Occupational Health and Safety Program. While there is a regulatory requirement to develop, and maintain a safety program for registered employers, participation in the COR program is voluntary. Employers who successfully participate in the COR program will receive a 10% rebate off the base rate premiums paid to WorkSafeBC in the prior year. Those rates are also affected by your experience rating, the lower that rating the lower your costs. Effective health and safety management systems have been shown to be an effective way to reduce your experience rating. The benefits of having a successful COR program go far beyond the rebate. Management develop solid and ongoing insight into the requirements of a safety program. What it is, how it works, how it can be a valid part of your business efforts, affecting worker health, safety and well being and your bottom line. Workers participate in the program throughout its inception and development and play a key part in the ongoing culture of safety created. This involvement of

workers develops a greater respect and pride for good safety performance.

gram and help you through the process of preparing for a COR audit.

The program is self audited for small employers, those with 19 and fewer workers and AgSafe will train your auditors. If you are a large employer, 20 and more workers, an external auditor is required to audit your safety program once every three years, a maintenance audit is performed by an AgSafe trained member of your team on the other two years.

A very important part of any safety program in agriculture is tractor safety. Tractors are a leading source of serious injury and fatalities on farms. Training, risk assessments, hazard awareness as well as regular inspections and maintenance all need to be part of your equipment safety program. Tractor incidents happen quickly and they happen to both experienced and new operators. Operators must be deemed competent to operate any mobile equipment in accordance with part 16 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OSHR) for British Columbia. To help you determine competence AgSafe has tools and will guide you in this process.

Tony DiMaria Orchards recently became the first orchard to achieve COR certification. As a small employer, an internal auditor was trained by AgSafe to conduct the COR audit. AgSafe consultant assisted with preparation for the audit. AgSafe Consultants and Advisors will help you fill the gaps in your safety pro-

Tony DiMaria indicated the 3 key benefits of the program are: 1. Ensuring safety program meets the legislated requirements and all is done to ensure workers have a safe place to work. 2. The financial rebate helps offset the investment of time to pull the portions of the program together. 3. Ensure program is well documented in case of a tragic event on the farm in the future.

Pre Spring 2017 25

Tractor Training Wineries FINAL 4x5 bleed.pdf

19/12/2016

17:19

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Important safety points for all tractor operators ■ Conduct a pre shift inspection ■ Use a Roll Over Protective System (ROPS) and seat belt Conduct a thorough risk assessment for the tractor, implement and tasks

www.AgSafeBC.ca

■ Always start tractor while in the seat ■ Keep loads low when travelling

SHREDDERS-FLV

■ Always keep an eye out for pedestrians, do not move tractor without eye to eye contact with pedestrian ■ No extra riders on tractor, bucket, or forks ■ Follow recommended hitching procedures and weight limits ■ Turn on level ground whenever possible ■ Stay away from soft shoulders ■ Ensure brakes are in good condition and properly locked for high speeds ■ Use a Slow Moving Vehicle sign, Roll Over Protective System and seat belt on public roads ■ Ensure loads are properly secured ■ Disengage PTO, turn off tractor and set brake before leaving tractor seat

Rugged flail choppers to

■ Read and observe the safety recommendations and precautions found in the owners manual

MOW, SHRED & EVENLY SPRED Chopping the heaviest materials, just leaving a Double twin flails for grass fine mulch behind. cutting and light scrub cleaning

Universal hammer flails for heavy duty pulverizing

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For assistance with your safety program please contact your regional AgSafe safety consultant. In the Okanagan call Carol Reid at 250-2155293, carol@agsafebc.ca, or the AgSafe office toll free at 1-877-533-1789

Photo by Leo Gebert St Hubertus & Oak Bay Vineyards

ORCHARD & VINE TRACTOR GUIDE PART 3 – TRACTOR SPECS

TRACTOR SPECS 2017 TRACTOR

SPECS

2017

Manufacturer

Antonio Carraro

Case IH Farmall V

Deutz Fahr

Model

Mach 4

Farmall 105V

5080DF Ecoline

5080DS

Engine Hp

PTO Hp

13.2

540

Fuel Tank (imp. gal.)

19.3

Transmission

16+16 synchronized reverser

16 x 16 power or mech.shuttle

5 Speed Gearbox

5 Speed Powershift

Steering

Hydraulic with 2 pistons

Hydrostatic

Brakes

Standard: hydraulic

Wet Disc

Electrohydraulic 4WD

Wheelbase 59.2"

85.3”

79"

80"

Minimum Width

51.5"

42.5-49”

59"

49"

Weight

3050/3200lbs

5307-6151 lbs

11023 lbs

Driving Wheels

Articulated Reversible Quadtrack 380/70R24

4WD

Website

www.antoniocarraro.it/en/ www.caseih.com

www.deutz-fahr.com

Pre Spring 2017 27

TRACTOR

SPECS NEXT ISSUE Is your Business In the

2017

Manufacturer

John Deere

Choose your Business Category

Model

5100GN 5075GV/GN

 Accounting  Aerial Surveying & Mapping  Agencies – Marketing & Design  Animal, Bird and Pest Control  Associations  Bottles  Cidery  Concrete Resurfacing  Cooperage, Tanks & Containers  Corks, Capsules & Closures  Crop Protection  Farm Equipment  Farm Management  Fencing  Fertilizer  Financial  Funding Programs  Insurance  Irrigation  Juicing  Labels & Labeling Equipment  Nursery Supplies  Orchard Supplies  Organics  Packaging Containers & Boxes  Pest Control  Pesticides  Photography  Real Estate  Refrigeration  Soil & Soil Testing  Spreaders  Steel Buildings  Storage  Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery  Trailers  Vineyard Equipment  Viticulture  Warehousing & Distribution  Wind Machines

Engine Hp

90-100 83

2017 Buyer’s Guide?

Help Buyers Find your Business!

Print + Online Contact us today!

250-769-2123 28 Pre Spring 2017

John Deere

PTO Hp

Fuel Tank (imp. gal.)

19.3

22.7

Transmission

Mechanical PowrReverser

24F/12R or 12F/12R

Steering

Hydrostatic Power

Hydrostatic

Brakes Hydraulic Wet Disc

Wet Disc

Wheelbase 86" Minimum Width

40.5-52"

Weight

43/49.5" 5577/6051 lbs

Driving Wheels MFWD MFWD Website

www.deere.com www.deere.com

ALL YOUR VINEYARD

TRACTOR NEEDS

DEUTZ-FAHR

AGROPLUS V-F-S t.1989

qui Matspair ag Re Sales,

LTD

rts

e & Pa Servic

34856 HARRIS RD ABBOTSFORD BC 604-826-3281 www.matsquiagrepair.com

Kioti

Kubota

CK2510/CK2510H

RX7320

M5-091/111

M4N-071

M8540NPK

24.5

95/108.2 72.6

85.5

19.5

78/988 61

6.6

27.7

20.1 / 20.1

18.5

Manual/Hydrostatic

Power Shuttle

Electro Hydraulic Shuttle

Electro-hydraulic

8F/8R hydraulic shuttle

Power

Hydrostatic Power

Hydrostatic power

Hydrostatic

Wet Disc

Hydraulic wet disc

Wet Discc

859.8" 3.9" 90" 80.7” 84.8” 49.2"

77.2”

48.0”

54.0””

2260 lbs

6162 lbs

5622/6173

5291 lbs

6504 lbs

4WD

2WD/4WD selectable

www.kioti.com

www.kubota.ca

www.kubota .ca

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Pre Spring 2017 29

Kubota Ups Its Game for Narrow Tractor Line Kubota has made huge improvements to its popular line of M4N and M5N tractors, used throughout BC for working in orchards and vineyards. The M4/M5 series gained its popularity because it combines the most narrow footprint of any tractor in the category, with an incredibly reliable engine. And now, that engine is much better. The V-3800 engine is now fully Tier IV compliant, meaning it meets or exceeds California’s stringent limits on diesel engine emissions. The Tier IV engines now being used on diesel tractors in North America provide significant reductions in the amount of NOx in the exhaust stream, and cuts particulate emissions by 90 per cent over Tier III engines. The challenge for manufactures like Kubota has been to keep their engines relatively simple and reliable, while still adding new technology to cut emissions. “Kubota’s just kind of sell themselves, and now they’ve just upped the game on everything,” says Stan Sagal, branch manager at Avenue Machinery in West Kelowna. “Kubota has the highest selling diesel engine in the world, other than those sold in trucks, and the reason is that it’s simple, robust and reliable, and that means the farmer has less down time.” The new V-3800 engine for the M4/M5 series includes a common rail fuel system, exhaust gas recirculation, a diesel particulate filter and a selective catalytic reduction for minimized emissions. Kubota also made changes in the cab to make farmers more comfortable on the job, moving all main controls to the right hand side and adding 40 per cent more tilt to the steering wheel. Hydraulics have been improved as well, with two valves as standard, and the ability to add three more optional remote valves. "Prior to this you just had the one valve standard," explains Scott Fraser, sales rep at Island Tractor in Duncan. "With two valves and the ability to add three more

30 Pre Spring 2017

They’ve kept the engine simple and reliable, and that’s been key… demand has been so high that frankly they often sell out completely! – Stan Sagal, Avenue Machinery it just gives you a lot more flexibility in the equipment you use." The result is a tractor that is fast, nimble, stable, and able to handle a variety of farm implements that require multiple valves. The agility of Kubota’s M4/M5 line applies when the tractor is grinding it out at low speeds or cruising at higher, sustained speeds, thanks to a transmission with standard Bi-Speed turning, six speeds and a Hi-Lo range shifter. With safety in mind, both models have wet disc brakes and gear lock parking; an important factor when working off the tractor on steep slopes. Sagal says customers have been very pleased with the new model. There were fears that tractors would

become more complex and more prone to breakdown due to the Tier 4 requirements, but Kubota buyers are still reporting few if any reliability issues. “They’ve kept the engine simple and reliable, and that’s been key,” says Sagal. “Demand has been so high that frankly they often sell out completely!” ■

TRACTOR

SPECS

2017

Manufacturer

Kubota

Mahindra

Model

B3350

XR3037

XR 4040-4046

1526

Engine Hp

32.2/36.2

40/46

25.6

PTO Hp

19.5-2.7

26.4/29.2

32.4/35.4

Fuel Tank (imp. gal.)

7.3

10.5-12.4

10.5/12.4

7.1

Transmission

3 Range HST

Synchro Shuttle/HST

Synchronized Shuttle

Steering

Hydraulic Power

Hydrostatic Power Steering

Hydrostatic Power

Brakes

Multi-plate, Wet Dis

Wet, Multi-Disc

Wet Disc

Wheelbase 80.7"

66"

69.4"

Minimum Width

53.7"

60"

62.4"

63"

Weight

1896 lbs

3220-3590 lbs

3870/4330 lbs

2437 to 2459 lbs

Driving Wheels

2WD/4WD selectable

13.6-24 4WD

4x4 MFWD 4WD

Website

www.kubota.ca

www.LSTractorsUSA.com

mahindracanada.ca

www.LSTractorsUSA.com

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Pre Spring 2017 31

More than 50 Years of Quality Equipment A new growing season is on the horizon and planning for the coming year often points to the need for a new tractor or other machinery to make jobs around the orchard and farm easier. This year, it’s time to look to an equipment partner that is dedicated to Canadian businesses and continually offers new and improved machinery designed for the unique agricultural needs of B.C. producers. Mahindra is the number one selling tractor in the world in the under 80 Power Take-off (PTO) horsepower category for numerous reasons. Not only does every piece of Mahindra machinery come with a free seven-year power train warranty (with zero deductible), it is also superiorconstructed, solid equipment offered by local dealerships with extensive training. Two of those dealerships are Noble Tractor and Equipment in Kamloops and Armstrong, B.C. Gord Noble owns both locations and is proud to be a long-term member of the Mahindra family. “We’ve been in the business for over 50 years,” Noble says. “Not many dealerships can say that. We’ve seen a lot changes in the equipment available over five decades plus we have a fully-stocked parts department and a well-versed group of service technicians who keep our customers’ machinery running at its best.” One of the things Noble is looking forward to this year is the introduction of the Mahindra 2545 Shuttle Cab Tractor, coming just in time for the 2017 season. Mark Potter, Regional Sales Manager Mahindra Canada, explains why the 2545 are expected to be popular among growers. “It’s a narrow tractor with a factory installed cab complete with air conditioning and heat,” he says. “It’s been designed for complete ease of operation, so everything is convenient whether it’s the A/C filters, ergonomic placement of the controls, foldable mirrors or the cup holder.” The 2545 engine is tier IV without urea or DPF, no high heat or burn off required, it will come with industrial or optional agricultural tires, the ability to attach nec32 Pre Spring 2017

We’ve been in the business for over 50 years… not many dealerships can say that. - Gord Noble essary equipment and all the functionality expected from Mahindra products. But perhaps what will be most appealing is the shuttle transmission in the narrowwidth body. “The shuttle transmission gives the operator a constant speed, which is important when spraying a row of vines or mowing the alley between trees,” notes Potter. “Keeping the width down and the reliability up is very important to Mahindra in meeting the needs of our agricultural customers.” It isn’t all about width and power though. Sometimes it’s about keeping things local and one of the aspects Noble is proud of is that Mahindra is doing more in Canada to invest in the local economy. “There is a new distribution centre in Quebec and the three-point implements are Canadian-built,” Noble says. “It’s great to see Mahindra investing in our

country and helping dealers like us carry Canadian-made products.” If the new 2545 Shuttle Cab isn’t the right fit, Noble Tractor and Equipment carries a wide range of other options including the Max 26 HP tractor. It’s a mid-compact tractor with the agility of a compact, but the heart of a mid-sized machine, making it strong, yet agile – perfect for berry fields, orchards and vineyards. “It’s a well-laid-out tractor,” Noble says. “It’s only 26 horsepower, but it has applications for orchards, vineyards, hobby farms and even homeowners. It will outperform others in this size range.” Talk to the Mahindra-trained experts about your unique agricultural needs and see the range of what Mahindra has to offer from new tractors to implements at the two Noble Tractor and Equipment locations in Kamloops and Armstrong, B.C. ■

TRACTOR

SPECS

2017

Manufacturer

Mahindra

Massey Ferguson

New Holland

Model

2545 Shuttle Cab

1739E

MF4610

T4F

Engine Hp

38.5

74/106

PTO Hp

32.7

65/93

Fuel Tank (imp. gal.)

Transmission

Sync, shuttle w/part synchromesh 9.3 mechanical shift

Steering

Hydrostatic/tiltable

Hydrostatic

Supersteer FWD Axle

Brakes

Wet Disc

Wet Multi Disc

Wet Disc

Wheelbase

65.9"

88.5"

Minimum Width

63.2"

52.4"

78.7”

61.7”

Weight

3506lbs

2756 lbs

6503 lbs

6243/6614 lbs

Driving Wheels

2wd/4wd

Ag, turf or industrial

Website

mahindracanada.ca

www.masseyferguson.us

12F X 12R pwr shuttle

16 X 16

www.newholland.com

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TRACTOR

NOBLE TRACTOR nobletractor@telus.net

Call Toll Free 1-800-661-3141

4193 Noble Road, ARMSTRONG, BC

580 Chilcotin Road, KAMLOOPS, BC

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Pre Spring 2017 33

2017 Buyer’s Guide Directory

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VINELAND RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTRE

The Quest for Diversity in Canadian-grown Table Grapes By Ronda Payne The quest for something other than Sovereign Coronation led researchers at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre to connect with others in the industry to explore more options in Canadian-grown table grapes. The short season of domestic-grown table varieties combined with the diversity of imported options had both retailers and growers turn to Vineland in the quest for new options. Michael Kauzlaric, technology scout and grower outreach with Vineland took up the torch. “It came around in 2012 or 2013,” Kauzlaric says of when industry and growers started the push for new options. “A lot of different varieties are getting imported into Canada. That got the attention. The question was, could we try them and test them out and see if they will grow.” Photos contributed

Establishing relationships with others in the industry is the foundation of the process and has been integral to finding potential varieties. Breeders and variety owners need to place their trust in Vineland if they are to allow their varieties to be

Pre Spring 2017 35

trialed in Canada. The second step is to determine the success rate of the trialed varieties. “Sovereign Coronation grapes bred by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are the most widely cultivated table grapes in Canada,” notes Kauzlaric. “Vineland is scouting the world for new fresh grape varieties suited to our climate with consumer appeal. It takes time. [Vineland] is getting a good deal from these organizations that have spent 10 years and millions of dollars creating these varieties.”

Vineland is scouting the world for new fresh grape varieties suited to our climate with consumer appeal. It takes time.

- Michael Kauzlaric In the two-acre test block, Kauzlaric planted as many varieties as possible.

A number of varieties have been secured with 11 already in the works. Kauzlaric hopes there will be upwards of 20 in the pipeline in the early days of 2017. They have been chosen based on the environments they currently thrive in. Obviously cold tolerance, yield, pest resistance, harvest timing and a variety of other genetic markers are part of the trial considerations.

“We’ve got nothing to lose, we put in a hundred vines. We’ll have some answers at the end,” he notes. “Right now there’s six varieties that were planted in 2014. They fruited for the first time this year.”

“We are looking for something different in taste and colour and also season extension,” he says. “The taste of the grapes and making sure it’s seedless and will it ripen in time in the Canadian climate.”

“From planting to commercial release it may take five to eight years,” Kauzlaric explains. “There’s one variety that’s really got some excitement from everybody. If there is interest to go beyond the testing stage, that variety can go out next spring.”

Involvement from all stakeholders plays a part in the selection and Kauzlaric notes retailers have sampled some of the options and were asked if the taste was adequate for them to consider carrying the grapes if a domestic version were available. He describes Vineland’s role as that of a catalyst to bringing growers and retailers together. “We really pulled the industry in, instead of pushing a product on everybody,” he says. “Three retailers have come out to the test block to taste varieties and provide feedback.”

Of those six planted varieties which came from a U.S. breeding program, three are green grapes and three are blue. Other varieties are in quarantine or have just recently been planted.

He adds it would mean commercial planting in 2018; then 2020 or 2021 would be the target date for the other varieties that are in “clean up.” Growers involved in the program span the country and Kauzlaric has connected with a few in B.C. “I’m open to having other [growing] sites across Canada,” he says. “That’s kind of the goal.” Kauzlaric estimates that just 300 acres planted with new climate-specific varieties could replace up to 10 per cent of Canadian imported table grapes.

Michael Kauzlaric, technology scout and grower outreach with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

“It’s not a huge undertaking to plant 300 acres to get 10 per cent marketshare,” he says. “It keeps the retailers happy that they can still source product but can also extend the local offering.” Retailers will receive just a pallet of new variety grapes to trial in flagship locations to determine popularity and interest. Kauzlaric describes 2017 as a “make or break” year for some of the varieties as they will go through consumer-based trials and their fourth growing season after experiencing three winters in Canadian soil. ■

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Retaining a Cranberry Pollinator Population

Nettle-leaved Bellflower (Campanula trachelium) visited by a European Honeybee (Apis mellifera).

By Ronda Payne To turn flowers into food, most fruit requires the efforts of insect pollinators and European honey bees are the work horse of agriculture. But is the labour of the European honey bee enough? Can their work be supplemented and assisted? Recognizing the importance of insect pollination to the food system, researchers set out to determine if a bumblebee-specific garden could encourage native pollinators to become helpers in cranberry production by offering some of the insectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite choices for nectar before and after cranberry bloom.

Photo contributed

The study, overseen by Renee Prasad of E.S. Cropconsult Ltd., began at the B.C. Cranberry Research Farm in 2014 when a number of plants were used to create a 2 by 20 meter bumblebee garden. She found previous studies indicated cranberry pollination is most efficiently done by bumblebees and that native bumblebees could supplement rented European honey bee pollination services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The goal of this garden is to provide growers with a single site where they can observe the growth and appearance of various plants and to collect data on the activity of bumblebees in Research garden at the BC Cranberry Research Farm.

Pre Spring 2017 37

Bumblebees need certain things to stay in an area and make it home. First, they need a supply of food. Growers want this to come from cranberry blooms, but there must be food available both before and after bloom as well. Shelter is also necessary for hive building as well as to provide a place for the queen to overwinter. This is often accommodated in tall bunching grasses, abandoned rodent holes and trees. “Growers can also provide these resources to ensure bumble bee populations are maintained around their farms,” Prasad says in her 2015 report. Both the 2014 and 2015 reports are available at bccranberries.com under the, ‘For Growers’ tab, notes Heather Carriere, manager of the BC Cranberry Marketing Commission. While plenty of information exists on establishing bumblebee gardens, making it specific to cranberry growers and creating a step-by-step format, with the potential for adaptation to other fruits and berries was the challenge. Prasad used plants recommended in the 2000 study by Boss and Henderson to encourage bumblebees pre-cranberry bloom in one half of the garden and post-bloom in the other half. From the work of Boss and Henderson, Prasad determined which plants would provide food at the right time, offer the nectar bumblebees want most and produce the flowers that attract bumblebees. Once the garden was planted, researchers observed a few species of bumblebees, other pollinators and pest behaviours in 15-minute observation periods within the garden, in the cranberry

These kinds of studies are important to growers… to make strategic changes to their practices… to improve fruit quality and yields. - Renee Prasad field and in the nearby Himalayan blackberries. Pre-bloom, results from the two-year study found early blooming rhododendrons (PMJ Compacta and Red Eye) and heather (Kramer’s Red and Phoebe) were visited most often. Visits to the garden during cranberry bloom were low, but the most popular visiting location aside from the cranberry fields was the Himalayan blackberries. Post-bloom found catmint (Dropmore Blue and Walker’s Low), sedum (aka: stonecrop) and summer-flowering heather (Flamingo) were the most popular. In her report Prasad notes plants must be well established and drought tolerant to gradually increase native bumblebee populations. Additionally, Prasad notes Ceanothus (aka: soap bush or California lilac), Callicarpa (aka: beautyberry) and Campaula (aka: bellflowers) could be early indicators for pests like Dearness scale and cranberry fruitworm. By observing pest populations in and around indicator plants, crop monitoring and management become easier and potentially more successful. “The cranberry industry is fortunate in that its growers support research development and projects,” Carriere says. “These kinds of studies are important

Photo by Ronda Payne

the garden before and after cranberry bloom,” Prasad notes in her 2014 report.

Renee Prasad of E.S.Cropconsult Ltd.

to growers to take the learnings back to their farms to possibly make strategic changes to their practices in an effort to improve fruit quality and yields.” Funds for the studies were provided by Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. As the plants are now established, ongoing monitoring can occur easily without additional funding for planting. Results, while specific to bloom times of cranberries, help other berry growers look to plants that provide nectar to bumblebees both pre and post bloom to encourage native pollination activity. ■

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 SEEDS OF GROWTH | FRED STEELE

Where Are We Going and What Do We Need?

he past few years have seen a lot of positive change in the tree fruit industry and many more changes are on the way. Everything from long term replant to meeting our needs for labour. The BCFGA is working with labour on two fronts - through the BCFGA Labour Orientation and Safety Program and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, and many growers employ

travelers here from the International Experience Program for visiting workers.

coming in shorter time lines and regulatory changes creating a blizzard of paperwork.

After decades of decline, the tree fruit industry is making resurgence. Our industry shrunk on an annual basis for thirty-two years, and in the last year, that trend has been reversed. We now show growth in acres planted.

We are committed to addressing;, environmental concerns, regulatory changes, new varieties, quality, food safe controls and promoting healthy eating with quality products. To do this, there is a side two to the equation and that’s commitment from our suppliers, concentrating on buy local, continued cooperative efforts to maintain such programs as Sterile Insect Release and cooperation with local governments to make sure we are in the thoughts and plans of future community growth.

We are looking to new varieties and expanding production to be export-ready and to meet the demand of changing world markets. We are adapting to the environment around us by exploring integrated pest management policies and employing new methods with nutrients and irrigation methods. We are in turn faced with new pests

We also need continued consumer support and awareness

Mark Your Calendar, February 15, 2017 Trinity Baptist Church 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna

In B.C., it is one of the most exciting times, the provincial election. At this time, I would like to provide some indication of what the Tree Fruit Industry and agriculture needs in this province in order that together the people and farm community can ensure we’re a productive contributor to the economy and that we provide an abundant supply of healthy nutritious food for our citizens. For those seeking election here are some priorities to consider: • We need to see increases to

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the Environmental Farm Plan funding. • More funding for Food Safe Programs as all of agriculture transitions to change. • We need to address wildlife issues, in the form of fencing for orchards, vineyards and haystacks. • If we are going to meet the demand for increased production and quality control, to be a companion to our investment, we need a Tree Fruit Development fund. • The demand for replant has surpassed anything imagined by the industry or government and more resources will

be needed should the pace of demand continue. The Province is moving in the right direction, creating demand and markets for BC products. In preparation to reaching our goals, some fundamental building blocks must be developed to ensure the success we are all working to achieve. Farm labour is a major issue. The industry depends on Seasonal Agriculture Workers and housing has become a major cost to the industry. It should be noted in other international jurisdictions, farmers do not bear the cost of this alone. We are going

to need an investment partnership to address this issue and the sooner it happens the more cost effective it will be. Re-negotiation of the Columbia River Treaty, we believe, should carry a trust fund for programs, much like the Columbia River Trust was established for Kootenay residents when the original agreement was inked fifty years ago. Such a fund would compensate farmers in the interior that were also impacted by the original agreement. In addition to monetary partnerships, we need the goodwill of the provincial government to take a role in advocacy positions on vital interests to the industry. We are requesting the provincial Minister of Agriculture support our efforts to achieve a national renewal and rejuvenation program of the tree fruit industry. Farmers know this as the bare ground program and such a fund requires investment from industry to access the funding available. This would be for investment in packinghouses and associated infrastructure. We need the provincial government to advocate for a re-introduction of the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act or (PFRA) to help growers with water wells to enhance their water supply. Last but by no means least, we need action at the federal level to replenish the ranks of a number of science specialists, especially a weed, plant nutritionist and a cherry breeder. The Tree Fruit Industry and agriculture are prepared to meet the challenges of the future, in a partnership with the mutual respect of various levels of government. Together we can meet the challenges of the future for the present generation and beyond. ■ Fred Steele, BCFGA

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40 Pre Spring 2017

 THE WORD ON WINE | LISA BRAMAN

Hot Spring, Cool Summer: Great 2016 Wines weeks early. GDD remained ahead of any other year with temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s until the end of June. Temperatures dropped in July to the low 20s with August returning to warmer, dry weather.

ritish Columbia’s 2016 vintage started off with an uncommonly hot spring in its two largest producing wine regions: the Okanagan Valley and the Similkameen Valley. Osoyoos experienced more Growing Degree Days (GDD) in April than any other April in the last 19 years. Temperatures reached the high 20s throughout the neighbouring valleys causing the earliest budbreak on record, as much as six

Photo contributed

An unusually hot spring led to an early and vigorous growing season. Cooler summer temperatures allowed the grapes to develop flavour complexity, moderate alcohol, balanced tannins and natural acidity in what is, by all accounts, an excellent vintage.

“Without the blistering high heat that sometimes occurs in July and August, the grapes had more time to mature and we are seeing phenomenal balance with low alcohol and balanced acidity,” noted David Paterson, GM and winemaker at Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna. “Overall, I think we’re looking at a beautiful vintage.” Harvest came early with picking of Ortega for sparkling wine on August 17 at Evolve Cellars in Summerland whose Christa-Lee McWatters Bond said, “Last year was the earliest we had ever seen it and this year we are a couple days earlier than last year.”

meen Valley wineries will have another fantastic vintage to showcase. The alcohol is balanced and we will be able to express varietal character and our mineral terroir,” said Baessler.

Charlie Baessler, winemaker at Corcelettes Estate Winery in Keremeos is excited about the 2016 vintage. “Similka-

Budbreak in the Fraser Valley arrived four weeks ahead of normal. The Fraser Valley saw

some challenging weather conditions but a warm, dry August led to excellent grape development with beautiful flavours and balanced acids and sugars. Andrew Etsell, GM and viticulturist at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford, reported their harvest began August 25 with

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Siegerrebe. This was their earliest start to harvest on record. Etsell says, "The 2016 vintage will offer incredible fruit which in turn will make some great quality wine.”

Harvest on Vancouver Island started within a week of normal with reports of picking on September 10 for Siegerrebe. On the overall fruit quality at his Symphony Vineyard in Saanich, Brooks said it is, “Fantastic. Best harvest parameters we have ever seen in most varietals, especially Pinot Gris.” In B.C.’s emerging wine regions, the growing season was similar to the Okanagan Valley, with few differences. Monte Creek Ranch Winery reported budbreak in late April – the earliest ever recorded in the Thompson region. A warm spring but relatively cool summer put the harvest about a week behind last year, but still about three weeks earlier than is normal. Their first day of crush was August 22 with Marquette

Photo contributed

Lamont Brooks of the Wine Islands Growers Association said that, “Overall, 2016 was an excellent year, characterized by an unusually warm April and May, which got the vines off to a very fast start.”

(for Rosé). Harper’s Trail Winery in Kamloops reported their first crush on August 31 of Gewürztraminer. The region is expecting a great vintage with concentrated and flavourful fruit. Twenty-three wineries were registered with the BC Wine Authority to pick an estimated 896 standard tons of Icewine grapes. Harvest started December 6, 10 days later than in 2015. Kalala Organic Estate Winery in West Kelowna was the first to pick (Chardonnay, Riesling and Zweigelt) with temperatures ranging be-

tween -8° and -9° C. Further south, Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards viticulturist Troy Osborne said they began picking Riesling on the morning of December 8. With temperatures averaging -12° C, Osborne was pleased with the concentration of the fruit which averaged 42 Brix. "The grapes went through a couple of freeze thaw periods before picking which gives the flavour characteristics we want for Icewine." By the end of 2016, 18 wineries had brought in an estimated 600 tons of grapes, 224 Juicing Equipment Sales, Service, Parts

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more tons than last year’s total harvest. In summary, early spring heat kicked off an excellent growing season slowed down by a cooler start to the summer and an extended fall season. The 2016 vintage will show an excellent balance of moderate alcohol, retention of natural acidity for which BC wine is known, ripe tannins and beautiful, concentrated flavours. ■ Lisa Braman,Industry Communications Manager at the British Columbia Wine Institute www.winebc.org

 LEGAL LIBATIONS | SUKH KAILE & DENESE ESPEUT-POST

Health and Safety of Farm Workers! riculture sector and is where one could find information and guidelines for agriculture activities. For example,

but young and new workers are often more at risk because they may hesitate to ask questions, have less experience or may misunderstand the right way to handle jobs involving potential perils.

alling from a ladder is very common in orchards. Snake bites and tractor related injuries are often workplace realities for farm workers. Generally speaking, one of the very first questions that comes to the mind of a farm worker is, "Am I working in a safe environment or not?” Many farm workers may not be able to answer this question because many hazards at agricultural work places are either not visible or not foreseeable. Examples of such hazards include falls from elevation, misuse of tractors and pruning equipment, improper pesticide storage, heat stress (i.e. heat stroke), and the use of incorrect lifting techniques. Anyone could be injured at work,

1. Transportation of workers (a worker may be transported on farm land, on mobile equipment not designed for work transportation, if the worker is safely seated, and the equipment is operated slower than 10 km/h – S.28.50).

As an employer, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations for occupational health and safety at work places and the provincial body responsible for health and safety enforcement. Knowledge of one's rights and responsibilities and the governing health and safety law is key to maintaining a safe workplace. The Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation deal with the safety of workers at work and define the legal responsibilities of employers, supervisors and employees. In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC is responsible for enforcement of occupational health and safety measures.

2. Orchard ladder instructions (a worker must ensure that the ladder is appropriate for the task, and the worker is instructed in its proper use – S.28.27). 3. Drinking water (an employer must ensure an adequate supply of potable drinking water for workers which excludes water in irrigation ditches or other similar sources – S.28.10). According to WorkSafeBC, every year around 800 farm and ranch workers are injured at work in BC. There are various reasons which put agriculture

Part 28 of Occupational Health and Safety Regulation specifically deals with the ag-

workers’ health and safety at risk. Reasons may relate to the workplace environment including poorly maintained equipment and unsafe vehicles; or relate to the traits of the employee including language barriers, inadequate or lack of training, orientation, supervision as well as employee inexperience or carelessness. Every year many foreign workers come to Canada to work in the agriculture sector. While domestic workers may know about their health and safety rights and responsibilities, foreign workers are often not fully aware of these rights and responsibilities. According to a study published by Simon Fraser University in August 2010, a key finding was that many immigrant and migrant workers do not receive sufficient workplace health and safety training. This is a serious concern which can put worker safety at risk, but this risk can be minimized with increased employer and employee health and safety awareness.

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Under the Workers Compensation Act, an employer has the primary responsibility to maintain the health and safety of the workplace. If an employer is found guilty for contravening of any of the provisions of the Workers Compensation Act or Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, in the case of a first conviction, they can face a penalty in the form of a fine of not more than $687,358.45 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both. From a legal perspective, an employer must be duly diligent in ensuring the health and safety of workers and take all reasonable precautions to protect workers. In an effort to be duly diligent, an employer could do risk assessments of hazards and identify possible hazards, have regular health and safety meetings with workers, make sure that workers are also involved in health and safety measures and keep a record of all safety efforts. If possible, the health and safety information should be provided in the language of foreign workers. Employers should stress to their workers the need to follow health and safety requirements and to immediately report any injury or unsafe working condition to their supervisor or employer. Employers and employees can also contact The Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association (FARSHA) to get more information regarding agriculture health and safety as well as review the Agriculture Safety Checklist issued by WorkSafeBC. While this column provides you with general legal information, you should see your lawyer for any legal advice. â&#x2013; By Sukh Kaile (Articled Student) and Denese Espeut -Post Denese Espeut-Post is an Okanaganbased lawyer and owns Avery Law Office. Her primary areas of practice include wine and business law. www. averylawoffice.ca

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Keep the Training of your Seasonal Workers up to Date When new or young workers arrive at a farm site, employers are required to provide them with site-specific orientation and training before they begin work. As seasonal workers are away from the workplace during off seasons, it’s important to ensure they receive the same orientation and training as a new worker, so that they are just as up-to-date on safety in the workplace. The following items must be included in the orientation: 1. The name and contact information of the worker's supervisor. 2. T he rights and responsibilities for workers, employers, and supervisors under the Workers Compensation Act and the Regulation, for example: •T he worker has the right to be informed about workplace hazards. • The duty to report hazards. • The duty to refuse unsafe work. •T he right to participate in workplace health and safety activities. 3. The general rules and safety procedures of your workplace. 4. The hazards the worker may be exposed to in their job. 5. Instruction and demonstration of work tasks and processes. 6. T he policies and procedures for working alone or in isolation. 7. T he procedures and measures in place for protection against violence in the workplace.

Ensure your workers have the proper training and equipment to stay safe on the job.

8. W hat personal protective equipment (PPE) is available, and when and how to use it. 9. I njury procedures, such as where to find first aid and how to report injuries. 10. E mergency procedures, such as locations of evacuation meeting points and fire extinguishers. 11. D etails about your occupational health and safety (OHS) program. 12. WHMIS information specific to the worksite. 13. C ontact information for the joint occupational health and safety (OHS) committee, or worker health and safety representative.

For agriculture training resources, visit worksafebc.com/agriculture

As an employer, you want workers who can be productive and stay healthy and safe at the same time. You must keep your training records and have regular check-ins with your workers to ensure that the training from orientation sticks. For more information, WorkSafeBC has many resources online at worksafebc.com/health-safety.

Pre Spring 2017 45

S T. L AWR ENCE MAR KE T To celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary Orchard & Vine Magazine is highlighting our country's historic Farmers' Markets. We are starting in Toronto with the St. Lawrence Market Complex, one of the world’s great markets with over 120 merchants and farmers. The St. Lawrence Market is the oldest ongoing farmer’s market in Upper Canada, and the original market outdates the city of Toronto itself. The North Market houses the Saturday Farmers' Market, a tradition begun on this site in 1803 that continues today. Farmers and producers from all over Southern Ontario bring their seasonal produce to market in the city. • 1803 Governor Peter Hunter proclaimed that all the land north would be officially known as Market Block, the first wooden structure to house the market was built this year. • 1831 The original structure was replaced by a brick building. • 1849 The Great Fire of Toronto destroyed the brick structure along with much of the city. • 1850 Plans for rebuilding include the new St. Lawrence Hall. • 1904 the building is demolished and rebuilt. • 1971 the planning board proposed the Market be demolished. • 1972 it is saved by a group of citizens who call for the historic building to be renovated. The renovation is completed in 1979. 46 Pre Spring 2017

WE LOOK FORWARD TO GROWING WITH YOU BC Tree Fruits Cooperative is looking for dedicated premium Cherry growers that are serious about growing the best quality for the highest market returns. Domestic or export cherries, we look forward to growing with you. Susan Keetley Grower Account Administrator 250.470.4200 In partnership with Sutherland SA Produce Inc. for export markets

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PLANTING THIS SPRING? APPLES? GRAPES? CHERRIES? STONE FRUITS? Superior Peat™ when used at planting: • Reduces the effect of replant disease without fumigation. • Adds organic material to the soil. • Reduces nutrient leeching. • Balances high alkaline soils.

For more information visit our website at: www.superiorpeat.com Email at: info@superiorpeat.com 1700 Carmi Ave, Penticton, BC V2A 8V5

• Retains moisture and nutrients. • Reduces irrigation requirements. • Improves soil microbial activity. • Contains Mycorrhizae

Phone (250) 493-5410 NOW TO GUARANTEE DELIVERY OF YOUR ORDER WHEN YOU NEED IT

A PERFECT SPREAD WITH EVERY SWEEP.

Kubota pendulum spreaders were designed to sweep evenly from left to right for maximum coverage. Their quick-change spouts and low fill height also make it easy for you to work with a variety of products. So whether you’re working with fertilizer, seeds, salt or sand pellets, you get a perfect application every time.

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ABBOTSFORD

Avenue Machinery Corp.

1521 Sumas Way

604-864-2665

COURTENAY

North Island Tractor

3663 S. Island Hwy

250-334-0801

CRESTON

Kemlee Equipment Ltd.

N.W. Boulevard

250-428-2254

DUNCAN

Island Tractor & Supply

4650 Trans Canada Hwy

250-746-1755

KAMLOOPS

Douglas Lake Equipment

706 Carrier Road

250 851 2044

KELOWNA

Avenue Machinery Corp.

1090 Stevens Road

250-769-8700

OLIVER

Gerard’s Equipment Ltd.

Hwy 97 South

250-498-2524

VERNON

Avenue Machinery Corp.

7155 Meadowlark Road

250-545-3355