Orchard & Vine Fall 2016 by Before & After Media

Innovation at Dhaliwal Farms Growing Better Trees Sperling Vineyard Going Organic Keeping an Eagle Eye on Pest Control The Challenge of Selling Wine to China

Fall 2016 $6.95

Display Until Dec. 15, 2016 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40838008 www.orchardandvine.net

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Photo by Ronda Pyane

Raptors as natural pest control. Page 20

Regulars 6 Publisher's View – Lisa Olson 8 Calendar 9 News & Events

41 Green Step – Lindsay Eason 43 Seeds of Growth – Fred Steele 45 Safety – Work Safe

Photo by Stephanie Symons

39 Word on Wine – Laura Kittmer

2016 has been a great growing year in the Okanagan. 4

Fall 2016

Features 16 Innovative Ideas and Family Support Means Success for Dhaliwal Farms 20 Encourage Raptors for Natural Pest Control 24 The Challenge of Selling Wine to China 30 How Energy Use Impacts Your Bottom Line 33 Sperling Vineyard Seeks Breadth over Brix 35 Tray Developed to Grow a Better Tree 37 Early Disease Detection in Fruit Crops

Photo contributed

Cover Photo: It's a family business at Dhaliwal Farms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunny, Kamal, Arvin, Amarjit and Ameera. Page 16 Photo by Kim Elsasser mpa, international award winning photographer. www.kimsphotography.com

Sperling vineyards has gone international with a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. Page 33

Fall 2016

 PUBLISHER’S VIEW | LISA OLSON

How Many Doors are Open?

Vol. 57, No 5 Fall 2016

ith the real estate boom at its height and rentals at a premium, I’m wondering how many of you have thought of selling your home this year or renting out a downstairs suite or cabin on your property to vacationers? We’ve heard how much money can be made with nightly visitors and some of you have already taken the leap and built accommodations on your property and are now enjoying meeting new people from all over the world who also help add some extra income to your revenue streams.

So as the saying goes, how do our ideas become a reality? What comes first, the idea, inspiration or happenstance? In the case of my B&B it was happenstance and I took action that said yes. There are many doors that open throughout our life; including who we meet, whom we marry, will we farm, open a winery and what businesses we work for or start up. Think about all the doors that have opened for you along the way or the ideas you might be thinking about right now. Are you going to take a leap of faith and jump right

Publisher Lisa Olson Graphic Design Stephanie Symons Contributors Michael Botner, Kim Elsasser, Tracey Fredrickson, Lindsay Eason, Laura Kittmer, Tamara Leigh, Darcy Nybo, Ronda Payne, Fred Steele Sales, Marketing & Social Media Manager Holly Thompson

Photo by Kim Elsasser mpa

I have given it some thought this year. I once had a B&B that came about when the local Chamber of Commerce was looking for extra rooms for an event, so I agreed to open up the lower level of my home. After that event was over, my name was still on the list and I ended up hosting two girls from Belgium for a month while they studied to become geologists. It was pretty fun and I enjoyed sharing my home and making sure they knew their way around town.

Established in 1959

Circulation info@orchardandvine.net Orchard & Vine Magazine Ltd. 1576 West Kelowna Road West Kelowna, B.C., V1Z 3H5

in or leave it up to happenstance? In this issue, as with most of our articles, there is a common theme of inspiration and education we like to write about like people diversifying, new ideas and solutions to problems that you may encounter. It’s harvest time, and hopefully you’ll have time for a little breathing room to explore some of your own new ideas and which doors you might want to open. Enjoy the magazine and thank you for all you do for this industry!

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

RAPTORS RIDGE BIRDS OF PREY Environmentally friendly pest control Find out more about what raptors can do for your farm

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

info@raptorsridge.com • www.raptorsridge.com Cert no. SGS-COC-006263

Fall 2016

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There are many reasons to rinse. #1

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No excuse not to! { For more information or to find a collection site near you visit cleanfarms.ca Now, take your empty fertilizer containers along for the ride! 10901A-CFM-5Reasons-HalfPage-Orch&Vine.indd 1

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 FALL | 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

Outsmart Jack Frost with an Orchard-Rite® wind machine.

Unified Wine & Grape Symposium January 24 - 26 Sacramento, California www.unifiedsymposium.org 14th Annual Agri-Food Industry Gala January 25 Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre  Abbotsford, BC www.bcac.bc.ca 19th Annual Pacific Agriculture Show January 26 - 28 Tradex Exhibition Centre Abbotsford, BC www.agricultureshow.net Islands Agriculture Show February 3 - 4  Port Alberni, BC www.iashow.ca Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers Annual Meeting & Trade Show February 7 - 9 Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA, USA www.wawgg.org Vancouver International Wine Festival February 11 - 19 Vancouver, BC vanwinefest.ca 60th Annual Conference International Fruit Tree Association Annual Conference February 19 - 23 Wenatchee, Washington www.ifruittree.org

Fall 2016

 FALL | NEWS & EVENTS

Keep Your Farm in the Family with Succession Planning Seminar This interactive full-day workshop on Tuesday, November 22, will focus on the needs of both farm families and succession planners. Held at the Ramada Hotel in Kelowna, BC, it is presented by The BC Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. Costs are affordable at $25 per person, $75 for a family of 4-5 and $100 per 6-7 members of the same family. Speaker will be Elaine Froese, CSP, CAFA, CHICoach a certified farm family business

coach who helps to empower farm families, increase profit and secure legacy. Considered, “Canada’s Farm Whisperer,” she helps families address and act on tough communications issues.

If you are a farm producer or grower you will learn ways to overcome procrastination and barriers to succession planning, gain clarity, define timelines for action and next steps,

A member of the Certified Agricultural Farm Advisors (CAFA), Elaine is widely known for her work and application of practical tools for conflict resolution and succession planning. Her sessions are highly interactive, safe to discuss tough issues, and filled with practical tools.

To reserve your space contact: Anne Skinner, Regional Agrologist, BC Ministry of Agriculture anne.skinner@gov.bc.ca (250) 861-7272 www.elainefroese.com

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EAST KELOWNA: 2.1 Acres Gracious two story home with large rooms and stellar view of vineyards, lake & city. Attached, 1 bdr inlaw suite. Inground pool. Massive detached 40x40 insulated garage/shop + detached single car gar. 2.1 well cared for acres. MLS® $999,000

EAST KELOWNA: 12.65 Acres 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

BELGO: 7.71 Acres Stunning lake & valley views from this 7.71 acre estate. Nestled amidst an apple orchard, this 4400 sf home with salt water pool is the height of country luxury only minutes to conveniences. MLS® $2,188,000.

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EAST KELOWNA: 19.9 Acres 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

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www.GeenByrne.com Fall 2016

 FALL | NEWS & EVENTS

Feast of Fields – A 40 Course Meal Plus Adult Beverages – The By Darcy Nybo Feast of Fields is a fundraiser for FarmFolk CityFolk with three events held this year in West Kelowna, Victoria and Langley with net proceeds going to fund a portion of FarmFolk CityFolk’s work throughout the province.

Nicholas Scapillati, executive director for FarmFolk, City Folk, at Off the Grid Organic Winery .

Photos by Barb Aguiar

For those who have never been, this is a four-hour (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) gourmet harvest festival where you grab a wine glass and a linen napkin and wander.

Chris Braun, chef at Micro Bites, sets out a 100% organic BC beef lollipop.

This year’s event at Off the Grid Winery in West Kelowna was, as usual, a success. And, as usual it was HOT outside. That didn’t deter the attendees, many of whom already knew how to navigate dozens and dozens of food and wine vendors in the heat of an Okanagan afternoon. Hats, sunscreen, damp cloths

around the neck and umbrellas were seen everywhere. The trick to having a great time at any Feast of Fields event is to pace yourself. It will take all of your will power not to run face first into the fabulous food here. Add to that dozens of wines, cider, meads and distilled beverages and you really need to make a plan. This is like a 40-course meal paired with adult beverages! Seasoned event goers know the trick. Start at the furthest point from the

SIGNATURE LTD.

An Okanagan vineyard and winery consulting company 30 years experience in Bordeaux and Okanagan estates • Terroir • Vineyard • Winemaking • Expertise • Confidentiality Phone: 250.488.8497 Email: p.madevon@shaw.ca 10 Fall 2016

Feast Just Keeps Getting Better! shade, drink a glass of water after every three beverage samples and walk slowly. The great thing about attending these events is that you get to stand and chat with chefs, winemakers, distillers, growers and organizers and get the scoop on the fine food and libations available and made right here in BC. Enjoy the photos from Laurica Farms, Langley and Off the Grid Winery, West Kelowna. Events are held in the late summer each year and tickets sell out very quickly! To make sure you are ready for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Feast of Fields, head to their website or follow them on Facebook.

Photo by Ronda Payne

www.feastoffields.com.

Welcome to the Feast of Fields.

Photo contributed

Photo by Barb Aguiar

Photo by Ronda Payne

Live music at the Laurica Farms event in Aldergrove.

Jen Vincent and Kirstin Hunter cool off under parasols with a glass of wine.

The Feast of Fields tents at Off the Grid Winery.

Fall 2016 11

 FALL | NEWS & EVENTS

Bench Bohemian Theme Honours Naramata History By Darcy Nybo This year's Naramata Tailgate Party was held once again at the Red Rooster Winery because it was such an excellent location.

Now about the wines. I have visited almost every winery on the bench over the past five years. It’s a dirty job, but someone had to do it. Let me say I have never tasted a Naramata Bench wine I didn’t care for. It’s almost as if the Naramata Bench soil and the Okanagan sunshine don’t allow for bad vintages. Don’t get me wrong, I also know that it takes some mighty talented winemakers to make grapes and fruit taste this good. As for the tailgate party, it’s hard to get tickets. Every year they sell out and every year I hear someone say they wished they’d known about it earlier. So here’s the trick: You go to naramatabench.com and check their calendar. Easier still, sign up for their newsletter or follow them online. That way you’ll have advance notice of ticket sales. As in all past years, Tina Baird and her crew are to be applauded for the great job they did. The venue is perfect for a tailgate party. And there’s nothing bet-

Photos by Darcy Nybo

On September 10th, 28 Naramata based wineries and their wines were paired with delicious cuisine from local chefs. This year’s theme was Bench Bohemian to honour the artistically unconventional lifestyles that are so much a part of Naramata history. Guests were invited to raid their closets and dress up. Prizes were given for the best costumes.

The crowd enjoying the Naramata Tailgate Party at the Red Rooster Winery.

ter than being with friends, surrounded by great food and drink, with vineyards and Okanagan Lake as your backdrop. Participating wineries included: Kettle Valley Winery, Bella Wines, Daydreamer Wines, Nichol Vineyard, Therapy Vineyards, Serendipity Winery, Van Westen Vineyards, Elephant Island Orchard Wines, Lake Breeze Vineyards, Lang Vineyards, Terravista Vineyards, Moraine Estate Winery, Bench 1775 Winery, Black Widow Winery, Quidni Estate Winery, Howling Bluff Estate Winery, Hillside

Providing Canadian Grapevine Solutions BRITISH COLUMBIA Frank Whitehead p. 250-762-9845 c. 250-878-3656 frank@vinetech.ca

12 Fall 2016

QUEBEC Alexandre Jacquel p. 905-984-4324 alexandre@vinetech.ca

ONTARIO Wes Wiens/Tina Tourigny p. 905-984-4324 wes@vinetech.ca tina@vinetech.ca

NOVA SCOTIA Ian Kaye p. 902-740-2493 ian@vinetech.ca

Winery & Bistro, D’Angelo Estate Winery, Red Rooster Winery, La Frenz Winery, Poplar Grove Winery, Monster Vineyards, Perseus Winery, Tightrope Winery, Misconduct Wine Co., Deep Roots Winery, Three Sisters Winery and Upper Bench Estate Winery. Chefs and tasty treats were from: The Pecking Room Grill, The Vanilla Pod, The Bench Market, The Kitchen, Hillside Bistro, Naramata Heritage Inn and Lake Breeze Patio.

 FALL | NEWS & EVENTS

The 2017 Pacific Agriculture Show is Booking up Fast! BC’s largest agricultural show of the year is getting ready for another sold out show. If you want to take part by way of a trade show booth, you’d better make the call today! The 19th annual event takes place this year from January 26January 28 again at the Tradex Exhibition Centre near the Abbotsford Airport in Abbotsford, BC. The show attract thousands of farmers and producers from across BC, Alberta, and the Pacific Northwest. On the Wednesday night prior to the show opening is the ever-popular AgriFood Industry Gala, a gala to bring together industry folks to celebrate the year, enjoy delicious food and bid on unique Silent Auction items. File photo

The Pacific Agriculture Show features the popular and educational Horticulture Growers' Short Course covering a wide range of seminars with key speakers from all over. Lots of networking and various other industry conferences that take place at the show and exhibitors you will want to talk to.

This event has consistently sold out the past 10 years - so don't miss out this year. Book your space early and get ready to secure new leads, have fun, and stay in touch with your industry friends and customers.

The Pacific Agriculture Show brings together in this 3-day event the latest in agricultural technology, latest trends and techniques available. Last year attracted over 9,000 farmers and producers who took in the displays of over 300 exhibiting companies.

For more details and exhibitor forms: www.agricultureshow.net www.bcac.bc.ca

JANUARY 26 - 28, 2017 19TH ANNUAL

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Fall 2016 13

Top Nursery Returns to Canada with Strict Vine Testing Process

or nearly fifteen years, the name Euro Grapevine Nursery was synonymous in Canada with highquality virus tested grapevines. Eckhard Kaesekamp chose to immigrate in 1987 from Germany to Ontario, Canada and brought with him Europe’s best practices in grapevine growing. He expanded his nursery into the region’s top source for grapevines and built many friendships among wine grape growers—friendships that still exist today. In 2001, Eckhard had the opportunity to serve Northern California and the Napa Valley growing region, and he decided to take up that challenge. He continues his successful California nursery today and has differentiated his nursery with a singular focus—growing virus tested vines. He’s never forgotten how Canada embraced him and helped him get his start, and he still takes great pride in serving the Canadian grapevine market, providing growers with grapevines that are as healthy as possible. Eckhard uses the strictest testing process available. He tests each individual plant to ensure a clean, high-quality vine. This is unique from most of his competitors, who only test a sample of vines. He’s able to provide this level of testing with only minimal added cost to the customer. It’s a thorough, transparent process that represents a big difference between his independent family-owned nursery and large corporate nurseries. His nursery has sold millions of vines, all of them with a strong record of success. No matter where the rootstock or bud wood originates from (certified blocks, or the new 2010 protocol), nothing beats the peace of mind that is brought about by individual plant testing before grafting season. This gives Eckhard’s customers the utmost confidence they have a

Eckhard Kaesekamp has differentiated his nursery with a singular focus – growing virus tested vines. clean product and helps to protect the enormous investment that vineyard owners make in their operations. The vine testing process at Knights Grapevine Nursery—the successor to Eckhard’s original Canadian-based Euro Grapevine Nursery—is simple, but crucial. It starts with the selection of healthy vines. Then, samples are taken from each and every plant. Samples are sent to the lab for testing, and the lab sends back results. Once positive results are confirmed, grafting is performed. Eckhard has access to the largest grapevine selection in the world, and since 2014, in response to the outbreak of red blotch, he has tested every plant for viruses. There are no exceptions. It’s this level of care for his product that makes his grapevines exceptional.

Whether it was through his original Euro Grapevine Nursery, based in Canada, or his thriving California-based Knights Grapevine Nursery, Eckhard Kaeskamp understands that protecting vines against viruses means nothing less than protecting a vineyard owner’s future.

Eckhard Kaesekamp: 707-350-1148 eckhard@knightsgrapevinenursery.com http://knightsgrapevinenursery.com 23308 Gifford Road, Knights Landing, CA 95645

YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR THE STRONGEST, CLEANEST PLANTS! 14 Fall 2016

î Ž FALL | NEWS & EVENTS

Leo Gebert Appointed to Agricultural Advisory Commission

Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) and seatbelts save lives

The Regional District of Central Okanagan has appointed Leo Gebert to the Agricultural Advisory Commission. He will serve a three-year term through August 2019. The Agricultural Advisory Commission provides advice to the Regional Board, other commissions and staff regarding agricultural issues and the potential impact of land use and planning decisions on agriculture. Leo Gebert is the President and Owner/Operator of St. Hubertus Vineyard. He is also a past Director of the BC Grape Grower Association, BC Grape Marketing Board and BC Wine Institute, a past member and chair of the Agriculture Advisory Commission- City of Kelowna (until 2014), and Director of the BC Wine and Grape Council. The Agricultural Advisory Commission (AAC) provides advice to the Board, other commissions and staff regarding agricultural issues and the potential impact of planning decisions on agriculture. All Commission members are volunteers and are appointed by the Regional Board. In accordance with the AAC Terms of Reference, membership shall consist of three to seven voting members. Currently, the AAC has three members with one membership term expiring in late 2016 with no option of renewal.

Photo contributed

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working with you to make sure all farmers go home safe. For resources and videos on safe equipment operation, visit worksafebc.com/health-safety.

Leo Gebert on the right and his brother Andy Gebert, wine tasting in the vineyard.

Fall 2016 15

Photos by Kim Elsasser mpa

Innovative Ideas + Family Support =

Amarjit, Sunny, Kamal and their son Arvin Dhaliwal and niece, Ameera in the packing house. 16 Fall 2016

Success for Dhaliwal Farms By Tracey Fredrickson It can take years to hone the knowledge and diverse skills that make a good farmer, and young farmers today face many additional challenges including the significant cost of land to even get started. At just 28 years old, Sunny Dhaliwal, proprietor of Dhaliwal Farms in Keremeos, is demonstrating that opportunities do exist for young farmers with entrepreneurial drive, commitment to innovation and good support around them. Dhaliwal Farms had its beginning in the 1980s when Banta Singh Dhaliwal, his wife Punjab Kaur and their sons came from India to Oliver, BC and purchased a 10 acre parcel of land. In India, Banta and his family were also in the farming business. Nine years later the family sold what had grown to a thriving orchard business and Sunnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father and three brothers bought a 100-acre parcel in Keremeos. Growing up in this environment Sunny not only learned how to farm, his entrepreneurial skills developed to where he was managing the day-to-day operations of the farm by the time he was 23. Today, Dhaliwal Farms includes 180 acres with diverse revenue streams, employing up to 65 workers in peak season.

Photo contributed

Eighty of the 180 acres are in the orchard, devoted to apricots, peaches, cherries, nectarines and apples. The other 100 acres are devoted to a new high density apple planting project initiated this year. While high density planting is being done by other farms in the area, Dhaliwal Farms is spacing the rows nine feet apart instead of the usual 10 feet to maximize efficiency

The late Banta Singh Dhaliwal in the orchard.

Fall 2016 17

People should know that young farmers are taking orchards to the next level and making farming into a great business. Sunny Dhaliwal and yield. When planting is completed by the end of 2016, the orchard will include one of the most innovative water technology systems in the farming industry which can be monitored by a mobile device. A second arm to the business is Sunny Valley Fruit which packs and markets its own fruit, and fruit it buys from other growers to a wide range of customers including Walmart, Krown Produce, Safeway and Sobey’s. “I realized it was important to invest in innovative processes and equipment to grow the busi-

Sunny Valley Fruit packs and markets their own and other growers fruit.

ness and keep pace with the larger packing houses,” Sunny says, “so this year we installed a new automated compact packing line that allows us to pack and sort to meet our clients’ unique requests.” The list of growers and customers working with Sunny Valley Fruit gets longer every year. “We simply have great growers that grow amazing fruit,” Sunny says. The third arm of the business is Agri-pak Packaging Ltd. which was purchased from long time founder Tony Laranjo in 2014. Agri-pak supplies fruit packing supplies to other packing houses and orchards. With locations in Osoyoos and Keremeos it provides everything fruit packers need to get their fruit to market anywhere in the world, from Keremeos to China.

Photos by Kim Elsasser mpa

Sunny was a customer of Tony’s for many years while Tony owned Agri-Pak and when Sunny bought the company, he also gained a valuable mentor. “When Sunny showed interest in buying the business, I knew he was someone who could keep it growing, “says Tony. “He is a good farmer and a good businessman. His customers like him, he listens and is easy to get along with, and is a hard worker. For his age, he’s very accomplished.”

By reducing the distance between the rows Sunny gained an extra 30-35 rows while leaving room for the tractor. 18 Fall 2016

“It is really important for young farmers to have the support of a mentor,” Sunny says. “I know farming, but when something like a weather disaster occurs, as younger farmers we don’t have the patience that older, more experienced farmers do.

Self operating automatic filter and back flow cleans the irrigation water, flushes, self cleans and keeps unclean water from returning to the well. Supplied by Nulton Irrigation.

The Sunny Valley Fruit packing house.

While we just see a crop has been ruined, they take it in stride as part of the ups and downs of farming.”

proud to have contributed to helping them establish and grow their business.”

Sunny says having access to family land and family members to work in the business is almost essential for young farmers to get into farming today. Sunny’s mother Amarjit supervises the packing house and his wife Kamal handles the paperwork for the business. (Sunny and Kamal are also proud parents to their son Arvin who was born in April of this year.)

In peak season, the farm is in full swing before dawn and Sunny is often back on the forklift after dinner. “Being out in the orchard at the end of the day where I can reflect on this beautiful farm and what we have created is the best part of it all,” Sunny says. ■

“You also have to stay current with trends and new growing techniques and products, and maintain good communication with your customers. An advantage young farmers have today is the amount of information that is available online and our comfort zone working online. People should know that young farmers are taking orchards to the next level and making farming into a great business,” Sunny says.

Did You Know?

Farm Credit Canada has also played a key role in the form of financial support for the recent investments in equipment and infrastructure. “When we’re preparing financial solutions for our customers, we look at a number of factors, including their management skills, work ethic, drive to succeed and knowledge of their industry,” says FCC’s Senior Relationship Manager, Amos Rossworm. “Working with Sunny on his family project, it was clear they had all the ingredients for success and we are

Despite the reduced number of young farmers, they often count among the country’s most successful producers. In 2006 and 2011, young farmers were both more likely to appear in the producer class with the highest revenues, and least likely to appear in the class with the lowest revenues. They lead the charge to innovate and capitalize on new opportunities.

The average Canadian farmers is 54 years old. The proportion of young producers has declined by more than half since 1991. That year, producers under 35 comprised 19.9% of the total population. In 2011, they made up 8.2% of the population.

Farm Credit Canada, March, 2016

Fall 2016 19

Tried & True Natural Pest Control

20 Fall 2016

By Ronda Payne

he screech of a barn owl, a hawk screaming, and the Kestrel’s call: all are, or should be, welcome sounds to growers. It’s an ancient relationship of predator and prey. While some raptors are great at rodent control, others are ideally designed for bird control yet all are environmentally-friendly. Growers who recognize the value of these birds to their operations will encourage their desired habitat and avoid the rodenticides that can harm or kill them through secondary ingestion. And, if there aren’t enough raptors visiting the property, perhaps it’s time to call in the experts for some trained help with pest control. Antoni Padszywalow of Sky Guard Falconry gave blueberry growers a demonstration of how falcons deter starlings at a late spring blueberry growers’ event in Agassiz. He is one of about 20 falconers around the province who provide services to farmers and growers to prevent crop loss due to starlings. “They don’t kill starlings,” he says. “But the starlings don’t know that.” Fellow falconer, Karen Kamstra and her husband Kim own Raptor’s Ridge, a Maple Ridge-based raptor facility which also offers help to farmers. She’d like to see farmers attract raptors to their lands naturally before calling for help. “We go out and assess the situation,” notes Kamstra. “We actually try to encourage the farmers to use what Mother Nature has provided them.” In their on-site visits, the Kamstras have often found that crop and berry fields, even some orchards, don’t have anywhere for the birds to perch and “watch their toes”, which is how Karen describes the constant observation for movement by birds of prey. A simple pole in the middle of a field will open up new territory for raptors to hunt from. If a pole smack-dab in the middle of the field doesn’t seem ideal for machinery, she has a solution for that too. “We try to encourage farms to use a bucket in a bucket system,” she says. It’s exactly what it sounds like; plus a few other materials. Take a five-gallon pail and plant it in the middle of the field so that the lip of the bucket is at grade. Pour wet cement into a second five-gallon pail and insert the bottom of a post (up to 30 feet high). Let the concrete dry, drop the second bucket into the first bucket and a perch is instantly available to raptors. “A perch in the middle of nowhere is going to attract a bird,” Kamstra says. “That’s a whole new area of their territory to explore.” When machinery is needed in the field, simply pull the second bucket back out of the first to make for unimpeded movement.

Fall 2016 21

Photos by Ronda Payne

Antoni Padszywalow of Sky Guard Falconry.

We can train the birds to work on anything, crows, starlings, seagulls…it scares the group away. – Antoni Padszywalow If growers find having a perch still isn’t doing the job, falconers can be called in to help. “We work seven days a week,” says Padszywalow. “From sunrise to sunset usually. Some farms have no starlings anymore and that’s why we’re losing contracts… after a few years of work.” Kamstra says it is possible to see starling populations move on but that it shouldn’t necessarily be the end goal. The point is to preserve the crop and consider using birds of prey as an alternative to noise tactics or poison. “We’re not looking to kill, we’re looking to make them uncomfortable and move on,” she says of their work combatting starlings and other pests. “A lot depends on what we’re trying to get rid of. Starlings are very stubborn and they’re also very smart.” She describes starling abatement as on22 Fall 2016

going maintenance, an expense like a piece of equipment, and encourages farmers and growers to take the steps to break up the starlings’ routines and make them uncomfortable enough to leave the area. In this way, crop rotation can be successful as can changing the layout of the field and other tactics that scare the birds away. “The noise-makers, what-have-you, they don’t work,” Kamstra notes. “The starlings get used to them.” Rodent populations and other types of birds can be targeted as well according to Padszywalow. “We can train the birds to work on anything, crows, starlings, seagulls, etc.,” he says. “It scares the group away.” The raptors work hungry. They get fed a portion of their meal in the morning so they have energy, but are still looking for food. They fly the fields all day scaring

off the starlings or other pests then eat again in the evening when they retire for the night, rest up and get ready to go at it again in the morning. Their handlers follow the same strenuous schedule. Some growers have illegally taken on training and flying the birds to avoid the expense and challenges of having a team on the land sunup to sundown. While Kamstra supports growers taking on their own pest control she advises licensing is mandatory through the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource operations. “It’s not a nice job, but it’s a job that needs to be done,” she says. “We’re protecting the food we eat. I would like to see the farmers trying to do it themselves without poison.” Before growers go out and try to buy a falcon and undergo training, the first step is to install a place for them to hunt from (like the pole) and encourage nest boxes for Kestrels and barn owls. Encouraging the natural desire of raptors to spend time on the property will always help to keep pests away from crops. A bird of prey like a barn owl can eat more than 1,000 rodents each year when paired and nesting. Poisons certainly seem like the quick and obvious fix, but the damage they do re-

verses the natural cycle of the predatory birds. When a rodent ingests the poison, they become slower, disoriented and easier prey for raptors. The raptor then eats the rodent and absorbs the rodenticide with it or may pass it along to its young during nesting season. Studies on how secondary poison can impact raptors are ongoing through the work of people like wildlife biologist Sofi Hindmarch. She has been studying owl populations in the Lower Mainland since 2007 and can help growers arrange for nesting boxes and even their installation. Another owl researcher and veterinarian is Dick Clegg who has been tracking numbers in Chilliwack and the surrounding area for about 20 years. The research isn’t yet conclusive in terms of how much rodenticide it takes to harm a raptor or disorient it, but it is certain that the poisons cause damage. It is believed that poison may impact raptors’ ability to hunt, fly or see properly. Take time to appreciate the screeches, hoots, screams and other raptor sounds around orchards and farms. Giving the Kestrels, falcons, owls and other raptors a reason to stay on the land will help control rodents, starlings and other pests naturally. ■ For more information on Raptors visit www.raptorsridge.com

Karen Kamstra of Raptors Ridge.

Fall 2016 23

SH I

INE TO CH W G IN N I A PP

By Tamara Leigh Chinese consumers have a growing thirst for wines, and an increasing number of Canadian wineries are trying to capitalize on the opportunity to sell into the world’s largest and fastest growing wine market. According to IWSR Research, China’s total wine consumption increased over 18 percent between 2011 and 2015, and indications are that those numbers will continue to grow. For Canadian wineries looking to diversify, selling wines to China can be an attractive proposition, but success requires determination, a sense of adventure, and commitment to learning the ropes in a totally new environment. “Exporting takes a lot of time and a lot of work,” says Allison Boulton, an international trade advisor who specializes in exporting agri-food products to Asia. “China is not just a new market, it’s a new culture, new country, new language. Wise exporters realize it’s a challenge and seek out some help.” Boulton’s first foray into shipping wine to China was working with Paradise Ranch Ice Wines in 2001, a winery that specialized in late harvest wine and ice wine, with a focus on exporting into China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In 2011, she moved to China as director of marketing for the winery’s Chinese buyer, representing an extensive portfolio of North American wines. Today Boulton works with small and mid-sized agri-foods businesses, including wineries, looking to make the leap into Asian markets. “Large distributors in China are not that interested in smaller Canadian wineries, 24 Fall 2016

partly because we don’t have the volume or production,” explains Boulton. “Canadian wine is not cheap, it’s a specialized market. Our wines are more finessed and specific.” The Chinese demand for high value wines is borne out by the statistics. According to the Canadian Vintners Institute, China accounted for only 2.5 percent of Canadian wine exports by volume, but 28 percent of the value between 2011 and 2015. Ontario-based Pillitteri Estates Winery has been exporting ice wine to Asia since 1995. The winery produces 100,000 cases per year, and currently exports one third of their production to China. Richard Slingerland has been managing China export sales since 2009, when the winery made a conscious decision to move into the luxury market. “When I took things over we moved from a low priced, do anything to get a foot in the door approach to a focus on Canada’s position as a premium production country, and not bothering to compete on price,” he explains. “For us to compete and take low margins didn’t match well with making the world’s rarest wine.” The success of Canadian ice wine is also opening the door for other wines, particularly reds. While Pillitteri’s early sales to China focused exclusively on ice wine, their dry red reserve and late harvest wines are an increasingly important part of their Chinese business. Slingerland credits much of Pillitteri’s success in China to the winery’s commitment to being consistently present in the

country, and the relationships that they have built with their customers. “I have been to China over 25 times inthe last seven years,” he says. “Every market is different. We joined in on a few government trade missions, and went ourselves to work with the embassies. It seems like I should be in China more because the market changes a lot year to year.” The speed of change in the Chinese market cannot be overstated, according to Allison Boulton. “It’s such an entrepreneurial culture in China – they are constantly reinventing themselves,” she says. “Comparing China to Canada is like counting in dog years. They move so fast and adapt so fast that you have to really work to be on top of that market. If you can’t go there yourself, send someone in your place, invite

I work with now. This is one large buyer that has their own channels,” he says. “I don’t have any influence or input on what they are doing with the wines.” In comparison to the Canadian wine market, where many estate wineries have a close relationship and sell directly to their customers, it may seem odd at first to be so disconnected. “It’s quite common to not know who’s buying your wine in China,” explains Allison Boulton. “Your buyer will sell it to their networks. You don’t often see Canadian wine on store shelves because it’s not the way the market works there. Wine is mostly sold through personal connections.” Shipping Logistics and the Value of Good Information Global shipping is a well-established industry, and the logistics of shipping to China doesn’t differ greatly from shipping wine anywhere in the world. Unlike shipping to more established wine markets, there is a much greater need to provide guidance and education for buyers. “Like any good business relationship, if the winery is aware and can help educate their buyers it will strengthen their relationship and they’ll become a preferred supplier,” says Boulton. “It can be as simple as knowing the Chinese holiday calendar so you know that your wine needs to be there ahead of time, for the gift giving seasons.” them to Canada, keep that relationship going.” John Skinner from Painted Rock Estate Winery in Penticton, B.C., has been exporting red wine to China since 2011. Of the 6500 cases they produce every year, 20 to 40 percent is exported to China. Their wines are reported to sell for up to $950 USD per bottle in restaurants, and $500 USD in wine stores. “China is a very young wine market. The first entrée for Canadian wine was ice wine, but I thought there was a ripe opportunity for table wine to get a toe hold,” says Skinner. “We started with a distributor from Vancouver who was exporting a number of B.C. wines, and through her, met a very substantial distributor who now buys large quantities reliably.”

Finding a Distributor There is no single path to selling wine in China, so the value of a well-informed advisor or timely introduction is priceless. The enormous size and diversity of the markets is exciting, but can also be confusing for people who are new to working in China. Wineries often start with a small distributor, and meet other buyers as their Chinese networks expand. John Skinner was introduced to his first Chinese distributor through James Stewart, founder and former CEO of Paradise Ranch Ice Wines and Bench 1775. After making his first sale, he got on a plane to Shanghai, where he was introduced through networks there to a much bigger customer. “The first group that I worked with had their particular market, but it wasn’t anywhere near as big as the group that

• Being aware of the regulations and export requirements is a must. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the following is required to export wine and icewine to China: • A certificate of health for the product issued by the Government of Canada. China accepts the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Manufacturer’s Declaration. By signing and sealing this form, the wine manufacturer agrees the product meets the health and safety requirements of Canada’s Food and Drug Act, is safe for Canadians to consume and can thus be exported to China. • A proof of product of origin. A Certificate of Origin can be provided and certified by a local Canadian Chamber of Commerce. • Label in Chinese: The Chinese importer should be able to agree in advance what is an acceptable translation. Fall 2016 25

Photos contributed

Night wine harvest at Pillitteri Estates Winery.

The first entrée for Canadian wine was ice wine, but…there was a ripe opportunity for table wine. – John Skinner

Keeping up to date on changes to the Chinese label and import license requirements will also go a long way towards building the relationship with a customer. “Relationship is huge, and it’s going to help a sale,” says Boulton. “When you go to two wineries and one winery knows the Chinese labels and understands what’s required and the other doesn’t, who are you going to want to work with?” When it comes time to actually shipping the product, most export arrangements are made Ex Works, putting the onus for shipping and product handling on the buyer as soon as the wine leaves the gate. “Once the wine leaves our property in Niagara, it becomes the customer’s property,” says Richard Slingerland of Pillitteri Estate Winery. “We are a family business, and it can be so risky when shipping.

26 Fall 2016

Shipping ex-works means the buyer takes on the risk of clearing the product through customs. We’ll assist them, but we are leaning on them to take charge and pull through to get it into the country.” The team at Pillitteri puts a lot of effort into educating their customers about the proper handling of wine. “Sometimes people think of wine as a commodity, not as a living product. It can’t get too cold or too hot, or be handled roughly, or the product quality will dramatically change,” explains Jamie Slingerland, director of viticulture at Pillitteri. “A lot of times customers don’t realize the impact of weather on the product. We try to convince them to ship at specific times of year to avoid high risk weather temperatures, and make sure wine is below water line on ships to ensure the temperature is consistent. If product is at the top of boat or sits on dock for a few days, it could be bad, particularly at 40-50 C.” Building the Canadian Wine Brand Ultimately the efforts made by pioneering wineries like Pillitteri Estates have built the foundation for others in the industry to succeed in the Chinese market, but they have not done it alone. Cooperation among a committed group of small and mid-sized wineries from across the country, coupled with strong federal

and provincial government support have created a strong brand for all Canadian wine. “Government is held with a different regard in China. You go with the backing of the Canadian government or the B.C. government, and you’re going to get a better meeting, a faster meeting than if you just go on your own,” says Allison Boulton. “We’re spoiled because Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has people in a lot of the embassies and trade offices who deals with the Chinese government for us.” Businesses can access exporter preparedness programs and information through AAFC, the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Small Business BC. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service provides on-theground intelligence and practical advice on foreign markets, and the Agriculture and Food Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses succeed in markets around the world. Growing Forward 2 funding to support international marketing efforts has also benefited wineries from across the country. “We have really benefited from the Agrifood Export Program, and always try to take advantage of what’s promoting our industry,” says Richard Slingerland. “We are constantly trying to work with other wineries and draw in other wineries.

The New Face Of Canadian Wine Over the past several years, interest in Canadian wines has expanded as Chinese investor groups and families are buying established wineries, particularly in the Okanagan. In 2014, Bench 1775 and their brands including Paradise Ranch Ice Wines, was sold to a Chinese investor for $8 million. “It’s a new model for the wine export business,” says Allison Boulton. “There’s been a lot of interest from investor groups or families that want to get involved in agriculture. They have a philosophy of wanting to be involved and have ownership. It’s one way of getting greater control of the supply chain.”

Grapes ready to pick at Pillitteri Estates Winery.

Fall 2016 27

When we group together as a wine industry from Canada, it gives us tremendous strength.” In addition to international trade show support and market intelligence, AAFC’s AgriMarketing Program funding has helped the Canadian Vintners Association play an active role in the World Wine Trade Group, an industry-government organization whose participants reached an Agreement on Requirements for Wine Labelling. Included in the agreement is a definition of Icewine specifying Icewine must be produced from “grapes naturally frozen on the vine.” The Fight Against Fakes These efforts have been instrumental in addressing a growing threat to the Canadian wine industry in China – counterfeit product. Estimates are that upwards of 50 percent of the icewine in China is fake. “They have smartened up, they aren’t selling fake wine for $5 anymore, they are selling it for $500,” says Boulton. “It’s usually cheap bulk white wine with sugar and possibly alcohol added. It’s damaging to Canadian icewine in terms of sales and image, so education is key.” The Canadian Vintners Association holds the trademark for icewine in Canada, and to VQA in Canada and China. They have been working with wineries, embassies and trade commissioners in China and other Asian countries to crack down on counterfeit icewine at tradeshows. At some of China’s major food The family owned Pillitteri vineyards are located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Tips From The Experts On Exporting To China Pillitteri Estates Winery: 1. Build the relationship and trust with your customer. 2. Don’t risk the whole farm for a big sale, make sure you get the payment in advance. 3. Go see the market, what it’s like and how it’s sold. It’s a very different sales system from the North American and European model. 4. Be realistic in your prices and value for money. Chinese wine purchasers are becoming more astute and knowledgeable about wine When it doesn’t make reserve, don’t sell it as reserve. Like any customer in the world, they want value for their products. Allison Boulton, Export Specialist: 1. Getting established in China requires long-term commitment. 2. Exporting is not easy. You need to really define your unique selling proposition, not just against your neighbours, but against $4 wines from California. 3. It’s a relationship business. It’s also important to utilize strong Canadian and provincial government networks that are there. They are there to help you, not do it for you. 4. You have to be export ready and ready to get on a plane. If you’re not willing to book a ticket and go, you’re not ready to sell to China. That sense of adventure has to be there. 28 Fall 2016

and beverage tradeshows, counterfeiting has become a serious concern. “Last year the Canadian Consulate put on a workshop at the show to help buyers identify counterfeit products,” says Beth McMahon, VP Government and Public Affairs for CVA. “If there has been counterfeiting they will contact me and ask them to verify authenticity of the production. We go back to the associations in Ontario or B.C., to confirm that the wineries are approved.” While the CVA helps make the connections and verify producer authenticity, it is often up to the people working on the ground to identify and challenge counterfeits at tradeshows. “Once you have a body like VQA Ontario that can verify the production, it makes a big difference,” says Slingerland, who has had to do exactly that. “There’s a big push in China about authenticity with regards to fake products. Websites are now subject to losing their license if they knowingly sell fraudulent products. It’s the organizations like CVA and VQA that work with us that enable us to be able to protect the name of icewine in Canada.” Pillitteri Estates has added proof tags to their packaging to verify that their product is authentic, and provide reassurance to their customers. The new packaging is complex and expensive, but has helped the winery differentiate itself and build trust in its brands. “Packaging is very important for an elite product,” says Slingerland. “We have been successful in being able to brand our winery in China by offering a proof tag.”

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Two items used to guarantee the authenticity of wine overseas are the proof tags that verify product authenticity and the VQA Sticker.

More broadly, the CVA has made a significant push to raise awareness of the Canadian VQA designation in export markets. Like any brand, consistency is the key to recognition and success. “The Canadian wine industry did a huge push on the VQA logo, and now the second largest wine region (B.C.) isn’t using it anymore,” says Boulton, adding that the inconsistency is causing confusion. “Ontario has the VQA sticker, but B.C. wines don’t. That’s a detriment to the B.C. wineries. If Chinese customers don’t read English, writing VQA on the label isn’t going to help. They want to see the VQA logo.” ■

Fall 2016 29

Photos contributed

How Reducing Energy Use Impacts the Bottom

Kellie Garcia, Program Manager of Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia.

By Michael Botner Many wineries have already made the connection between making great wine and taking a sustainable approach to winegrowing. Putting this idea into practice is not only the responsible thing to do, but it also makes mighty good business sense. In a presentation at the 17th Annual Enology and Viticulture Conference in Penticton, Kellie Garcia, Program Manager of Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia (SWBC), tackled the topic of “Using Energy Efficiently: Cost Savings & Environmental Benefits.” Garcia also provided examples of four Okanagan wineries that have recently implemented specific programs and practices to optimize energy consumption and reduce energy costs. “Using energy more efficiently is the primary goal of sustainable winegrowing,” says Garcia. The next question for Garcia is asking why you would want to do it. Considering that making wine is an energy-intensive process, making even small targeted improvements can snowball into significant benefits for the enterprise. For example, reducing consumption of water and other materials or improving the longevity of equipment is an oppor30 Fall 2016

Burrowing Owl's total solar contribution will be equivalent to 220,000 kWh/year.

Using energy more efficiently is the primary goal of sustainable winegrowing. – Kellie Garcia tunity to enhance the profitability and productivity of a winery as well as lower its environmental footprint, according to Garcia. “The first step is knowing where you use energy,” she says. Referring to the pioneering “Guide to Energy Efficiency in Australian Wineries: Energy Best Practices,” Garcia listed the main categories: • Refrigeration uses 40-60% of energy • Pumps, fans and drives 10-35%

• Lighting 8-20% • Compressed air 3-10% • Packaging and bottling 8-30% • Other like presses, high pressure cleaners and deep steamers 3-15% “Adjusted for Canadian conditions, it is an excellent aid that lets wineries target limited resources to increase energy efficiency,” Garcia explains. “The best way to do this is by conducting an energy assessment using forms,

Line in the Winery and the Vineyard educational resources and training which are available online on the SWBC website,” she says. “It is something you can do yourself by doing a walk through to identify drafts and machinery requiring routine maintenance.” Or, delve deeper by “bringing in a professional auditor.” This method takes a comprehensive look at all areas of the operation that affect energy efficiency, considering such issues as: • Are tanks, pipes and buildings wellinsulated? • Use of efficient motors with variable frequency drives • Using new lighting technology to cut costs. • Looking at potential improvements to the operating systems to reduce waste. • Benefits and costs of investing in capital equipment upgrades. “Already used in commercial kitchens and restaurants, Energy Management System (EMS), a new, emerging technology, is being adapted to the needs of smaller scale winery operations,” Garcia says. “It is a single control computer system that makes smart decisions for the operator on energy use depending on day, time and weather conditions. It also provides a dashboard display for current and historical data and allows smart phone access. It can even divert waste energy to heat hot water or generate electricity in certain systems.” Garcia has provided several examples of Okanagan wineries putting into practice energy efficiency improvements as promoted by SWBC: To offset electricity costs, St. Hubertus Estate Winery in Kelowna installed 42 solar panels on the roof of the winery in April 2016. According to winery co-owner Leo Gebert, it produced twice the energy required over the summer. Still to be determined is the question of how much will be saved in winter. “Enormous reductions in price make solar panels more affordable now than a decade ago”, says Gebert. Other pluses include: being able to track energy use and savings online using a dashboard; and coming to a netmetering and billing agreement with FortisBC to allow return of energy to the grid.

St. Hubertus has installed 42 solar panels.

Fall 2016 31

2017 Tree Fruit Replant Program ANNOUNCEMENT: Application forms and the updated requirements of the 2017 Tree Fruit Replant Program are now available on the BCFGA website, www.bcfga.com, and on the BC Ministry of Agriculture website, http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/ content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/ treefruit-replant-program. Project applications (along with the required Replant Plan) will be received between August 1 and October 31, 2016. Please avoid the last minute rush and get your application in early. An horticultural advisor is required to help prepare and sign individual applications for the 2017 Tree Fruit Replant Program. The following information will be provided to assist growers in completing applications. a. A list of qualified advisors. b. Information on project grading. c. Program operational policies. d. A series of reports on replanting and variety performance and selection are available and should be referenced when preparing a Tree Fruit Replant Program Application. The Tree Fruit Replant Program provides funding for quality projects. Applications will be rated by a committee of horticultural experts. The rating of individual applications will be based on meeting the program requirements and on the quality of the Replant Plan. Projects will be placed in order of rating for projects, and the top-rated projects will be approved until all funding is utilized. The Tree Fruit Replant Program is a 7 year, $9.4 million program, funded by the Province of BC.

BC FRUIT GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION 1-800-619-9022 (ext 1) email: info@bcfga.com www.bcfga.com

Andrew Peller Limited Winery in downtown Kelowna won the 2016 FortisBC Industry in Action Award by upgrading two existing natural gas boilers with three high efficiency Cleaver Brooks condensing boilers. After six months of use, “the upgrades saved enough natural gas to heat the water for 23 single-family homes for a year," says Garcia, greatly exceeding initial targets. As part of new construction that is now underway at the Burrowing Owl (BOV) in Oliver, the winery is installing three separate and sizable solar electric systems totalling 451 panels, the equivalent of 220,000 kWh/year, which will offset carbon emissions by 115 tons/year. The cellar expansion at the north end of the winery will add 70 panels, each producing 310-volts of electricity, on 3,350 sq. ft. of open roof-top space. A parking lot shade structure where 12 cars would normally park will have a roof supporting 220 solar panels to produce 25,770 kWh/year. Expansion of the winery’s main warehouse in the town of Oliver will add 161 solar panels on the south-facing portion of the roof. “Since the energy produced will match the energy used, this facility will have a zero carbon footprint,” says the winery. This is the second phase of BOV’s efforts to use renewable solar energy. In 2006, the winery made an investment into solar hot water panels to produce hot water for barrel washing and other cellar related cleansing functions. It produces an excess of hot water, which is dumped into the swimming pool to the delight of guest-house guests. House of Rose in East Kelowna strives to provide a sustainable wine product. Using a grant from the Live Smart BC Small Business Champion Program and their own funds, the winery made several upgrades to their 3,000 sq. ft. building, reducing energy usage by almost half. These enhancements include installing an air source heat pump, adding several insulation improvements to the building envelope, creating a separate, warmer area for fermentation, and upgraded lighting and fans. ■

Extenda Pack Gases For the winemaking industry

The right gas for the right application We supply CO2, Nitrogen, Argon, Dry Ice and Nitrogen Generators

The BC Wine and Grape Council Sustainable Committee, a team of local professionals and specialists, founded SWBC 8 years ago to identify and promote sustainable practices for grape growing, wine production, and winery hospitality services “to support a viable, competitive and continually improving wine industry.” Adapting sustainability programs from other winegrowing regions and input from the BC wine industry, they created a unique made for BC sustainability program.

In Kelowna call 765-7658

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www.praxair.com 32 Fall 2016

2017 Buyer’s Guide Directory Booking now! Contact Holly or Lisa to get started today! www.orchardandvine.net

Sperling Vineyard Seeks 'Breadth over Brix' By Michael Botner

Through her mother Velma, Ann traces her provenance to Giovanni Casorso, who arrived from Italy in 1883 and worked as an agricultural specialist at Father Pandosy’s Oblate Mission. In 1929, two of Giovanni’s sons, Napoleon Peter and Louis Casorso, planted the 45 acre Pioneer Ranch vineyard on Casorso Road with grapes and apples. At the time, Giovanni’s wife Rosa, Ann’s grandmother, was the single largest investor in the group that established Calona Vineyards in 1931. When Pete retired in 1960, his son-inlaw Bert Sperling, and wife Velma took over Pioneer Ranch, planting it entirely in grapes. Now known as Sperling Vineyards, the property contains old planting of Maréchal Foch, Riesling, Bacchus and Perle of Csaba, as well as newer blocks of Gewürtztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. Velma, Ann’s mother, lives in the original family house and continues to operate Pioneer Country Market on Benvoulin Road. For Sperling, an authority on organic and biodynamic winemaking, wines are made in the vineyard and living soil is the key to making the best possible wines. “As a youngster growing up at Pioneer Ranch, the soil was considerably more natural than in 2008 when I took over. But in the 1970s, they were nothing like natural soils here in the late 1800s and early 1900s, before the introduction of

Photos contributed

he launch of Sperling Vineyards in 2009 marks the return of East Kelowna native Ann Sperling to her home turf. One of Canada’s premier winemakers, Sperling’s winemaking career started at Andrés Wines in Port Moody in 1984, after graduating from UBC with a Food Sciences degree. Following a four year stint at Cedar Creek, she left for Niagara in 1995, becoming the initial winemaker at Malivoire, an innovative, eco-friendly winery. More recently, at Southbrook, she spearheaded the top Poetica wines. With winemaker/ husband Peter Gamble, they have also purchased a vineyard in Argentina’s Mendoza region, making a wine called Versado from 120 year old Malbec vines.

Ann Sperling of Sperling Vineyards.

chemical fertilizers and synthetic fungicides,” Sperling says. Obtaining organic certification for the vineyard from ProCert (the wines will follow in 2018) is a major step in returning the vineyard to its natural state. Sperling goes the extra mile, taking a holistic approach to biodiversity. That means using specific compost preparations and herbal teas for vineyard management, as well as following lunar cycles to create balanced root and leaf growth. The presence of bacteria and glacial deposits are harbingers of deep roots and better quality wines in the meager, claymineral soils. Deep roots draw more nutrients from the soil and require less irrigation, an added bonus. Up on slopes overlooking Kelowna and Lake Okanagan, there are insufficient heat units to ripen Merlot, according to Sperling. Knowing the effect of vine varieties grown on specific sites is vital,” she says. “Balanced vines require shoot and cluster thinning and some leaf plucking.” But leaves impart more verve and ageability to the wine, important factors in Sperling’s estimation, as is lower PH

Working with biodynamic preparations at Sperling Vineyard.

soils, which produce wines with higher acidity and greater mineral character. “I am seeking wines with the emphasis on linear structure,” she says. “That means greater spine and depth rather than high alcoholic strength, tannin and sweetness. Breadth not just brix.” Fall 2016 33

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2012 Old Vines Riesling is from a 1.7 acre, southwest-facing slope planted with 38 year-old, Weiss 21 Riesling clones. The soil under the Riesling vines boast the highest concentrations of calcium carbonate (limestone), on a par with fine Burgundy and Champagne crus. “Production is small (200 cases) and very consistent,” says Sperling. “All our wines are made using natural wild yeast spores, a less efficient form of fermentation than using prepared yeasts.” It has a slatey-mineral character with hints of petrol, honey, lemon-lime and green apple balanced by a slightly off-dry finish. Still young and a little tight, this wine will benefit from further aging along the lines of a fine Mosel. (4+ /5 stars, $32 tax incl. at the winery.) Sperling 2014 Pinot Noir Sperling 2014 Pinot Noir is made from hand-sorted Dijon clones grown on slopes with varying exposures and in soils with a high limestone content. From grapes picked at a modest 22.5 brix, fermentation took place with a small quantity of stems and whole clusters to add structure and slightly herbal tannins. The wine was aged in large format, “very neutral” 500 litre barrels using only 10% new wood. Made in a delicate style, this wine expresses subtle cherry and pomegranate fruit and a mineral spine backed by light, fine tannins. It has plenty of structure for further aging. (4+/5 stars, $26 tax incl, at the winery.)

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Sperling 2015 Pinot Gris For “orange wine” aficionados, Sperling’s 2015 Pinot Gris will not disappoint. “Nothing is added and nothing is removed,” she says. Natural amber in colour, it is dry and intensely fresh with richly-extracted fruit exhibiting notes of tangerine peel, jasmine and Earl Grey tea. Anything but a “drag”, it is a wine that “pops” - only for the adventurous. It should be decanted and serve chilled. It does a beautiful job cutting the fattiness of rich pork dishes. (4½/5 stars, only available in Ontario and Quebec.) ■ Check the Sperling wine shop for availability and prices of these wines/vintages. Sperling has built a functional winery beside the vineyard, but the wine shop is located in the family’s Pioneer Country Market, just off Casorso Road, where people line up for the hearty soups, hand-made meat and fruit pies, glazed spudnuts and gourmet takeaway.

A Tray to Grow a Better Tree By Ronda Payne

rom the time it is a seedling, how a tree’s roots form and grow are an important indication of future health and production. Dr. Darby McGrath, research scientist in nursery and landscape plants with the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre wants to create a better propagation tray to allow seedlings the best opportunity possible. Knowing that trees are often planted in less than perfect conditions and encounter sometimes violent environments, ensuring a propagation tray sets the tree up for improved vitality is essential. In 2013, McGrath began looking at roots to see where, in a tree’s development, root deformations that impact growth, health and strength begin. “We obviously aren’t the first group to look at this,” she says. “There is a lot of interest in this right now because when we plant trees we plant them in less than ideal conditions. There is an optimal root architecture for trees.”

Photos contributed

McGrath explains that in ideal conditions a root ball will grow out in all directions, much like the rays of the sun. This radial

Dr. Darby McGrath, research scientist with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

distribution allows for optimal collection of nutrients, water and other essential elements for healthy growth. However urban soils tend to be very compact, creating challenges for trees that don’t have the best root structure established. “If you grow a tree seedling in a propagation tray, you pass that root deformation down,” she says. “There are a lot of negatives associated with that. At the plug stage, you can correct root deformations.” Propagation trays used at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

With others having explored the idea of propagation trays to create better root

systems already established, McGrath and her team started with a review of what was available. They tested a variety of trays and found that none promoted the ideal radial style of root development. Even trays from forestry, nursery and other subsectors were studied but no matter how much air exposure there was with the tray, there was always a plastic structure that made contact with the substrate which would cause root deformation. “After testing trays from all sorts of different subsectors, there isn’t really a tray Fall 2016 35

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Red oak seedlings grown in the Vineland propagation tray on the left and in an industry standard tray on the right.

out there to promote this ideal root architecture,” McGrath says of her team’s review. “Anchorage is always an issue in urban soils. Especially with the storms we’re seeing now. Some of the solid sided trays often promote driving roots down and that’s not good either because you have the roots terminating at the bottom of the tray.” She further explains that while there were some “decently okay” trays, none of them met the needs of real production growers due to high costs or awkward structures. Growers were looking for something new but there weren’t many options that fit what McGrath and her team wanted to see in terms of features. The obvious solution was to develop a new propagation tray. It couldn’t be just any tray however, it had to be affordable enough and manageable for real production environments. In 2015, a prototype was developed using air-root pruning to promote branching and create a greater root mass. It also incorporates other key elements – like strategically sized and shaped holes – the team knew would allow for ideal root growth. “We want to see a natural root system that is uninhibited,” she says. “Where there are no impediments in the soil because that’s the best advantage it [the tree] can give itself. Our tray did very well in terms of root production.”

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Trials are done with oak trees because if conditions aren’t ideal, an oak will simply send down a tap root. The initial prototype caused a root deformation, but now, in the second iteration of development, the team has found that the angle of the cup at the bottom of the tray is an important consideration. “Our trays don’t make contact with the substrate anywhere,” McGrath says. “Growing in something like this can actually promote accelerated production for fruit nursery stock. There’s been a lot of work done on air-pruning and the influence it can have on bearing fruit nursery stock.”

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More trials of the propagation tray are planned with fruit nursery stock and the tray is expected to be released into the market in spring 2017. ■

Early Disease Detection in Fruit Crops By Ronda Payne

hat could possibly be worse than anticipating a fantastic crop, only to witness it being wiped out by a disease-causing pathogen? Picking that bumper crop, preparing it for shipping and finding out it’s infected as it arrives overseas. Both scenarios are real problems for fruit growers and ones that can be anticipated before they go fullblown with Flex-Alert technology. Orchard & Vine spoke with Jacek Chrostowski, president and chief strategy officer with Flex-Alert, to find out more about the three-year-old Internet-based solution company that began developing low cost agriculture sensors. The practical journey of Flex-Alert took flight addressing mycotoxins in maize in Tanzania. “We received a very prestigious Grand Challenges Canada award to develop such low cost devices connected to the Internet,” Chrostowski says. “Mycotoxins affect some 25% of foods worldwide resulting in a large number of diseases in humans and animals.”

Photos contributed

It was ‘The Internet of Things’ – a relatively new term describing the network connectivity of everyday electronics and devices without human intervention – that allowed for the affordability of monitoring. Certainly other field monitoring systems are available, but they require purchase of expensive proprietary systems. MicroFlex Field Nodes use wireless communication of real-time field, storage and packaged crop information to webbased control systems. Potential pathogen issues can be detected before visual field monitoring identifies them allowing the rapid response needed to reduce potentially costly and hazardous issues. The ability to detect pathogens in Africa led to Chrostowski approaching the BC Cherry Growers Association in late 2014 with the idea to adapt the system to the organization’s needs. Funding obtained through Investment Agriculture Foundation helped make the project come to life.

Mycotoxins affect some 25% of foods worldwide.

“The trial project is underway with 10 orchards of different sizes,” Chrostowski says. “We are evaluating the early season appearance of pathogens such as powdery mildew, brown rot and botrytis and effects of weather conditions on the farms so we can predict the need for spraying on particular days (direct cost reduction) and predict the appearance of rot, such as brown Juicing Equipment Sales, Service, Parts

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Early prediction of brown rot can eliminate producer losses caused by shipping infected cherries to customers that arrive unsaleable. It allows growers the confidence to ship what they know to be healthy, first-grade products to other countries and reduce both shipping and insurance costs. While Flex Alert offers solutions to detect contamination at all stages: growth, storage, packing, shipping and receiving, the nodes in the field (the growth stage) are where growers are likely to see the greatest benefits. The new generation microFlex field nodes will each monitor one acre of soil humidity, leaf wetness, temperature, wind, soil condition, nutrients and levels of mycotoxins. The resulting date goes into Flex-Alert’s software to offer the grower with a complete picture. “The next phase of work is to expand the collection of data to other environmental components such as heavy metals in water, air pollution, cameras, etc., which the microFlex platform allows with a minimal cost,” says Chrostowski. The proprietary biosensor technology that detects the presence of mycotocins is perhaps the most unique aspect of Flex-Alert’s solution. It reduces the costs of spraying while also eliminating the question of a crop’s health during transport and delivery. Proven in Europe, FlexAlert can provide detection of pathogens in cherries, grapes and other fruit crops. ■ Find out more at www.flex-alert.com.

38 Fall 2016

 THE WORD ON WINE | LAURA KITTMER

Wine Touring Season Busier Than Ever

he early arrival of summer weather followed by cooler temperatures throughout June and July has put BC wineries and vineyards on track for another great season. Since April, wineries have seen a strong increase in visitors, both local and international, with winery sales continuing to grow. Throughout spring, BC winery sales accounted for more than 20 per cent of all BC

VQA Wine sales in the province. BC VQA Wine sales are up 12 per cent year on year, which is 6.4 per cent ahead of the total provincial market growth of 5.6 per cent.

sold out. Luckily, the small family-owned winery, which sells less than 60,000 litres of sparkling wine annually, does plan to release a Reserve Rosé in November.

In July, Scott Locke, general manager of CedarCreek Estate Winery in Kelowna, reported they were 8.8 per cent ahead of last year in volume and 8.4 per cent up on visitor traffic (compared to the same period last year), with record sales numbers through the first two long weekends of the season. “This year will no doubt be a record year here at the winery,” he said.

John Pullen, marketing director of Church and State Wines in Victoria reported a great season for wineries on Vancouver Island with a lot of American visitors, but also suggested that Vancouverites are increasingly hopping on the ferry for a quick getaway to the Island. According to Statistics Canada, US visitor arrivals to BC were up 11 per cent year-todate as of June and up 12.4 per cent in International overnight visitors.

On August 1, Bella Wines, located on the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley, confirmed their wine shop was

More tourists also ventured

beyond the borders of BC’s five official wine regions to explore wineries in the emerging regions. Harper’s Trail Estate Winery in Kamloops extended their tasting room hours this season and reported record numbers of visitors from abroad, neighbouring provinces and locally, all wanting to experience the Kamloops wine region. This year’s wine crop is also on track for another successful season. Despite the cooler weather in July, the hot, dry temperatures in spring led to the earliest budbreak on record across the province boosting the overall growth and length of the season and leading to another recordbreaking start to the grape harvest in British Columbia.

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Evolve Cellars in Summerland began harvest on August 17, making this their earliest harvest to date. It also marked the start of BC Wine pioneer and leader Harry McWatters’ 49th vintage in the BC Wine Industry. Congratulations Harry, the industry thanks you for all of your dedication and commitment to our premium growing wine industry! George Hanson, owner of Seven Stones Winery in the Similkameen Valley, thinks the cooler weather this summer has actually worked out to be a benefit for BC wineries. He said things were moving too quickly at the beginning, and slowing down the ripening of the grapes has allowed for some great flavours to develop as they cruise into harvest. Winemakers and viticulturists from around the province are excited for this year’s vintage, projecting a later harvest than last year for longer ripening grapes, which can be good for allowing lengthier hang time into September to develop the flavours and retain crisp acidity – both signature qualities of 100 per cent BC Wine. Budbreak in the Fraser Valley started four weeks ahead of schedule, in the first week of March, but the cooler weather in June and July helped to extend the growing season. Andrew Etsell, general manager and viticulturist at Singletree Winery in Abbotsford said they will start the 2016 harvest with their early-ripening Siegerrebe, followed by Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, with Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc to follow. They are also carefully watching their two acres of Pinot Noir, which will be used for Rosé and their first-ever vintage of traditional method sparkling wine. “If trends continue, we expect another great vintage in the Fraser Valley,” noted Etsell. While overall pleased with the growing conditions this season, the cooler temperatures combined with rain and wind did create challenges for grapegrowers in some regions. In July, Harper’s Trail Estate Winery fell victim to summer hail damaging 10 per cent of their crop. “Unfortunately this is an issue that we just have to roll with. It’s all part of farming,” said Caleb Hanaghan, production manager at Harper’s Trail Estate Winery. Being early in the season, Hanaghan was optimistic that taking preventative steps on the issues that can derive from hail damage would mediate any further crop loss within the vineyard. With harvest now underway, grapegrowers and winemakers across the province are predicting this will be another great vintage for BC Wine. ■ To keep up-to-date on the harvest, follow @WineBCdotcom, #BCHarvest2015 and #Icewine on Twitter. Laura Kittmer is the Media Relations Manager at the British Columbia Wine Institute. www.winebc.org

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 GREEN STEP | LINDSAY EASON

Drones Help Island Winery Slash Water Use ings Craig realized from these results blew the team at ASAP Geomatix away. Owner Mark Sylvester, Technical Development Manager, John Carley and Business Development Manager Alex Sylvester have opened up a new market to help agricultural businesses better manage their resources with accurate and relevant data.

in the Comox Valley, a drone makes much more sense. Drones are more cost effective, make no noise, are environmentally friendly (electric) and stay lower to the ground, avoiding air traffic airspace.

t’s not very often that I come across a new technology that is literally the best solution I have seen to many current agricultural issues. Green Tourism member 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery, located on Vancouver Island in the Comox Valley, has just proven how invaluable this new technology is by saving $11,000 over the past four months. This groundbreaking technology recently developed by ASAP Geomatix, was installed on a drone to take super-high definition images of the 20acre vineyard. Based in Campbell River, ASAP Geomatix is the four-year-old sister company to the well established ASAP Avionics Services. Many of ASAP’s current clients request wildlife and ecosystem information for remote regions, where HD imagery is captured by helicopter. But in the rural residential area

Layne Craig, owner of 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery saw the bigger picture. He calls himself a semiautomatic farmer, using field studies and handwriting to track what works best for his vineyard. But the data he received from ASAP Geomatix complimented his own methods, giving him measurable statistics for:

Sylvester realized not everyone is like Craig, who took this data and ran with it, drastically reducing his water consumption, fertilizer and chemical use and saving thousands of dollars. But there are probably more farmers, viticulturists and orchardists across the country that can benefit from this technology.

How healthy and vigorous the vines are (measuring chlorophyll in an ENDIV chart) • Plant height comparisons • Soil moisture content • Land slope and elevation • High definition images of their property

Here’s what 40 Knots saved in the past 4 months: Water use slashed by 7/8’s compared to 2015

The maps are so high def, you can zoom in to each individual plant. This spring Craig agreed to a pilot project to test this new technology on a drone (rather than helicopter), and gain insight into how a vineyard would use the data. The value and sav-

By looking at the moisture content map, Craig could see specific areas with less moisture retention than others in the vineyard. Once he studied this chart with plant health and plant growth, he realized that areas with high growth needed their watering cut

completely, while other drier areas needed additional moisture. In other words, using drip irrigation, he only watered exactly where he needed to, cutting his consumption from 9000 m3 in 2015 to 800 m3 in 2016. Fertilizers reduced by 3035% Craig works closely with Biofert Manufacturing Inc. to source only non-synthetic fertilizer applications for his vineyard. He adjusted his program to use the data provided by ASAP Geomatix, which allowed him to hone in on dry and less productive areas to apply compost and an organic granular fertilizer just to the areas that needed it. This “spot treatment” rather than blanket application cut his fertilizer use by nearly 35%. Next year, Craig is moving to a liquid fish/kelp fertigation application, hoping to further reduce fertilizer use by an additional 40%. 60% savings in pesticides and fungicides 40 Knots has converted all fungicides and pesticides to 100% organic, using only micronized sulphur, calcium, po-

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Making these changes has boosted crop production by over 40%. Even with the spring storms that reduced flowering in the white varieties and even with the sheep getting loose and deciding to munch on grapes (I could see the effects of this in the plant growth chart), crop production nearly doubled. Craig has used the ASAP Geomatix data to grow a crop balanced in nutrients and water, producing more grapes with less foliage. Some crops, like Gamay, increased from 2.3 tonnes per acre to 6.3 tonnes per acre. The HUGE Okanagan potential The Okanagan Valley and Comox Valley get a similar amount of sunshine each year (just under 2000 hours), but the high temperatures in the Okanagan increase evapotranspiration of irrigated water. There is a HUGE potential to reduce water consumption in Okanagan vineyards (not to mention chemical and fertilizer use) using this type of data. This study at 40 Knots has shown how improving the sustainability performance of an operating vineyard can save a lot of money and a lot of resources. ASAP Geomatix will take images of 40 Knots Vineyard again next spring (by drone) to compare baselines and continue to reduce inputs while boosting outputs. Geomatix won the 2015 Innovation and Technology Award Campbell River for the Community Economic Development Commission. To find out more about them, visit their website. â&#x2013; Lindsay Eason is the cofounder of GreenStep Solutions and manager of Green Tourism Canada. She writes blogs and articles about sustainable tourism and green business. Lindsay lives on Vancouver Island where she enjoys exploring nature, tasting local food and wine and living an active lifestyle. www.greenstep.ca

42 Fall 2016

 SEEDS OF GROWTH | FRED STEELE

Working Together to Make it Work erations and Farm Worker Housing maintain and respect the ALR, both are subject to forms of abuse. It is these few instances of abuse that lead to regulation. Now, we are approaching a series of confusing rules that could end up being a conundrum for all if we do not seek some common solutions.

money into the farm operation - at least, that’s the concept. Please note, even with a successful Agri Tourism operation, farming should still be the main focus of the farm.

oday many terms are used to describe the changes we are dealing with in agriculture. Terms such as Agri Tourism, RV Parking, non farm use and worker housing. They are related only in terms of being challenges for the farmer, the municipal governments and the public at large and governed by social license. First let us shed some light on what each term really means, let’s explore the challenges and how we might find some common ground solutions. Agri Tourism draws people to the farm so they better understand what farms do and why they follow certain practices. In other words, “The Farm Experience”. The second part of the equation is the benefit for the farmer - Agri Tourism generates revenue for the farm enabling the farmer to reinvest the

RV Parking was initially thought of in the context of Agri Tourism and still is part of the equation for many. However, the experiment has endured challenges and in some cases has steered away from the original intent - namely, a farm experience and a benefit to a farm operation, with the farm operation maintaining its priority. Worker housing is often confused in the same groupings as Agri Tourism, but it is not. In these days of labour shortages and when many agricultural operations rely, in whole or in part, on foreign workers, the worker housing is not optional. Worker housing is in fact a requirement of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, both the Caribbean and Mexican flavours.

familiar with the needs or requirements of farmers - only 2% of us farm today, so many municipal employees have not experienced “farm living”.

The ALC (Agricultural Land Commission) has changed many rules as to what is and is not permitted. The Municipal and Regional Governments, are also playing a role through developing bylaws, and often neighbouring jurisdictions have different bylaws which leads to confusion and frustration.

At the same time, many farmers have difficulty understanding the complexities of administering land use or development. First we must come to terms with the terms - a mutual understanding of what we are talking about, second we must understand the intent of the ALC and the needs of farmers and community. Thirdly, we must understand worker housing, RV Parking and Agri Tourism are different issues and cannot be resolved as a packaged solution.

The problem is two fold. Municipal officials may not be

If the principal players, the Municipal Governments and

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the Agriculture community cannot work out a joint solution and explain our positions to the general public how are they to understand the facts on individual merit? Such an information vacuum allows even the concept of social license to become muddied and fraught with misconceptions. Agri Tourism is an enhancement to a farm operation that draws attention the economic, environmental and social contributions of farming. Communities can benefit by having people come to enjoy a celebration. It could be a corn maze or a wedding, if the rules are followed it’s beneficial that the community be linked to a farming experience - it shows where the food comes from and educates about what is involved. This is a benefit for agriculture and may even build consumer loyalty to buy locally grown farm products. Let us explore the RV Parking debate for a moment. This was originally seen as a tourist advantage much like a bed and breakfast operation on wheels as it were. People would set up in the park location for a specific period of time and move on. In some cases this has not happened, it became longer-term living or RV Storage. That is an infringement on the intent of the rules - it changes the ‘educational’ aspect into a business-only aspect and could take away from the farming intent altogether in extreme cases. Some municipal governments are looking to shut the door on Agri Tourism accommodation altogether. This is turn creates more problems than it solves. Many operations act within the rules providing Agri Tourism experiences as intended and should not be excluded purely because of the ‘bad apples’.

First address the violators and enforce the rules - do not punish everyone for the transgressions of those who flaunt the law. In addition there are those who are in the planning stages of creating facilities within the rules and they would be punished for no reason other than the few who abuse the system. Agri Tourism and RV Parking issues are enforcement issues and need to be addressed as such. As for worker housing, this is a separate issue. In today's farming operations, many are getting larger as consolidation occurs (oddly enough, it is not the smallest farms that are being consolidated, but the middle sized farms). More houses in higher density are required - the alternative is to have a larger but more widely distributed footprint on many farms. Now that is another problem to be first understood, then balance the needs of the ALR and the farmer trying to diversify and add new income streams without adversely affecting the farm operation. To fully understand each other I think the time has come to sit down with cooperating communities and the Agriculture Industry and rationally discuss the challenges and find solutions. This approach is in the category of leadership and if we are going to explain the complexities of the problems to the public at large, we have to know what the challenges and the solutions are. Some say that would be a futile effort. But look at the progress the industry and Municipal and Regional Governments of the Okanagan have already accomplished. The Sterile Insect Release Program, The Starling Control Program, and the wood chipping programs that reduces burning. We have demonstrated leadership in the past and we can do so again. If we do not work together with regulators, an unaware public will take social license to the extreme and impose unworkable requirements (think propane cannons in the Lower Mainland). Working together we can find solutions that work for Agri Tourism and Worker Housing. ■ Fred Steele, President, BC Fruit Growers’ Association

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 SAFETY TIPS | WORKSAFE BC

Working Safely with Tractors and Machinery wearing your seatbelt. Similarly, many serious injuries and fatalities can be avoided by working safely around PTOs. Ensuring all shields and guards are in place and keeping a safe distance from a rotating PTO would drastically reduce the number of incidents.

tractor is one of the most useful pieces of equipment on a farm, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Between 1990 and 2012, an average of more than 100 deaths occurred per year on farms in Canada. The main causes of these deaths? Being rolled over, run over, or entangled in equipment such as tractor PTOs (power take-offs). In B.C., there have been 12 machinery-related worker fatalities in agriculture since 2009.

It’s important to have proper education, training, and supervision. If you’re an employer, you’re responsible for making sure your workers understand the hazards of their work and have been trained on how to operate equipment and tractors safely. Also, check in with your workers from time to time to ensure that they are following safe operating procedures. ■ For more information on how to work safely with tractors, visit worksafebc.com. For hands-on assistance with tractor safety, contact AgSafe at 1.877.533.1789.

The good news is you can prevent injuries and save lives by using your tractor’s roll-over protective structure (ROPS) and

If you’re the one operating the tractor or working around equipment, keep these safety tips in mind: • Drive at a safe speed and know the terrain slopes and conditions. Always review the conditions of your work area for irregularities.

• Select the right piece of equipment for the task. • Read and make sure you understand the operator’s manual.

• Ensure all loads are properly secured.

• Check to ensure the tractor is in good working condition before you operate it.

• Turn on level ground whenever possible, and avoid soft shoulders.

• Always make sure all PTO shields and guards are in place and in good condition. • Ensure the ROPS is up and always wear your seatbelt.

• When getting off the machine, disengage the PTO, turn off the tractor and ensure the parking brake is on and operating effectively before you dismount.

• Ensure tractor brakes are in good condition, working well in both directions (forward and reverse), and properly locked for higher speeds.

• When operating a tractor with a front-end loader, keep the bucket low when travelling and turning. Never leave the tractor seat with the bucket raised.

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Fall 2016 45

TAKE A MOMENT Enjoy the Fruits of your Harvest…

YOU’VE MADE A DIFFERENCE We appreciate your hard work in a most delicious way! 46 Fall 2016

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