Orchard & Vine Spring 2017

Rose Family Orchard a Farming Innovator Blattner Grape Varieties in the Cowichan Valley Celebrating Canada 150 San Juan Inspired by BC Wine Tourism Big Changes to Wine Laws 2017 Buyer's Guide

Spring 2017 $6.95

Display Until May 30, 2017 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40838008 www.orchardandvine.net

fi g. 4

Superior Quality.

Start to Finish.

Attention to detail, hard work and dedication is what true quality requires. The same effort you put in to making your renowned wines, is matched by us in pursuit of providing the best possible solutions at every step of the packaging process.

TricorBraun WinePak: - Supplies all bottle sizes T:11”

B:11.25”

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- Sources the highest quality domestic and imported glass - Has a dedicated in-house Quality Assurance Staff - Offers custom design, decorating, and repacking - Is a worldwide supplier with unmatched relationships

What can we do for you?

Heidi Cook | Business Development Manager | 604-649-5623 Michelle Thornburn | Account Coordinator | 877-495-7924

Your industry experts for: Domestic & Imported Glass, Decorating, Custom Design and Repacking

© 2017 TricorBraun WinePak

1-800-DRINKWINE | tricorbraunwinepak.com | � �

Photos contributed

Orchard in bloom at the Rose Family Farm. Page 23

Regulars

6 Publisher's View – Lisa Olson 8 Calendar 10 News & Events 59 Word on Wine – Laura Braman

63 Seeds of Growth – Fred Steele

Photo by ?

61 Legal Libations – Denese Espeut-Post

The grape harvest at the Rose Family 4

Spring 2017

Features 23 R ose Family Orchards: So You Want to be a Farmer‌ 26 B lattner Varieties Gain Ground on Vancouver Island 30 Okanagan a Model for San Juan Wine Tourism 35 What's Going on in Strawberry Soils 37 8th Annual Wine Law Conference 39 2017 Buyer's Guide 66 C elebrating Canada 150 at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market Cover Photo: Jamie and Glenn Rose in the Rose Family Orchard commercial kitchen, page 23. Photo by Kim Elsasser mpa, international award winning photographer. www.kimsphotography.com

Orchard. Page 23

Merced del Estero Winery in San Juan, Argentina. Page 30

Spring 2017

5

 PUBLISHER’S VIEW | LISA OLSON

Farm Family Lifestyle

Vol. 58, No 2 Spring 2017

H

ow many businesses out there are working with your family or children? Either your kids are working nearby or alongside you or you are working alongside your parents or relatives. While some days might be distracting and challenging, it’s a nice idea to be close to your children, especially while they are growing up?

Established in 1959

Years ago, a close friend of mine made up a cozy bed in a dresser drawer set on the floor to allow her baby to nap in her office. A dresser drawer may sound a bit odd, but really, it’s no different then a store bought bassinet.

Michael Botner, Lisa Braman Kim Elsasser, Denese Espeut-Post, Tracey Frederickson, Charlotte Gardiner, Tamara Leigh, Ronda Payne, Lindsey Ross, Fred Steele

Inside this issue we introduce you to new farm family, Jamie and Glenn Rose, who purchased Frank’s Orchard, from Walter Frank, a well know orchard in Lake Country. Working with their children they have trained and learned from Walter’s years of knowledge. You will read inside, how they are using their innovative ways to make use of the fruit and won them an Innovation Award last year.

While on the topic of farm families, congratulations to George and Trudy Heiss from Gray Monk Estate Winery who are celebrating 35 years of winemaking, 45 years of grape growing and 55 years of

Lisa Olson Graphic Design Stephanie Symons Contributors

Photo by Kim Elsasser mpa

We have so many farm families in this industry and all with different stories; young adults coming back to the family farm after being away, children helping out on the farm and 3rd and 4th generation families farming on the same property.

Publisher

Sales, Marketing & Social Media Manager

marriage alongside their three sons who are part of the family business.

While family is great to keep close, so are good teams of dependable suppliers who provide you with reliable products and the knowledge of what’s new along with the professional advice needed for your successful operation. Take a look at the suppliers featured inside the pages of the magazine, some may already be your chosen supplier and maybe even developed over the years as a close friend.

One thing for sure, these are companies that support the industry and have your best interests in mind. You will want to keep these names close at hand when the time comes to place your next order.

Cheers to a great season and happy spring!

Enjoy the magazine! ■

Holly Thompson Circulation info@orchardandvine.net Orchard & Vine Magazine Ltd. 1576 West Kelowna Road West Kelowna, B.C., V1Z 3H5 E-mail: info@orchardandvine.net www.orchardandvine.net Phone: 250-769-2123 Fax: 1-866-433-3349 Orchard & Vine Magazine is published six times a year and distributed by addressed mail to growers, suppliers and wineries in the Okanagan, Kootenays, Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Washington State and throughout Canada. Orchard & Vine is also available online.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40838008

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

Spring 2017

QUEBEC Alexandre Jacquel p. 905.984.4324 qcsales@vinetech.ca

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

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

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

Cert no. SGS-COC-006263

WE’VE NARROWED DOWN YOUR OPTIONS FOR YOUR NEXT TRACTOR.

Built with the power you expect from Kubota, the new M4 and M5 Narrow tractors are designed for work between vines and powerful enough to be part of the M Series line-up.

Their final Tier IV Diesel engines deliver up to 91 PTO HP. Improved hydraulics and a redesigned cab make these tractors the perfect combination of size and strength.

kubota.ca | *See your dealer for details.

Spring 2017

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East Kootenay Distillery Festival April 22, 2017 Fairmont Hot Springs, BC www.fairmonthotsprings.com Okanagan Wine Festival May 4 – May 14 Various Locations, BC www.thewinefestivals.com Bloom BC VQA Spring Release May 23 – Victoria May 25 – Vancouver www.winebc.org East Kootenay Beer Festival June 17, 2017 Fairmont Hot Springs, BC www.fairmonthotsprings.com Niagara Homegrown Wine Festival June 17-18, Various Locations, ON www.niagarawinefestival.com 18th Annual BC Enology & Viticulture Conference July 17-18 Penticton, BC www.bcwgc.org/conference Western Canada’s Outdoor Farm Expo July 18-20 Near Saskatoon, SK aginmotion.ca

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Spring 2017

Wine Marketing & Tourism Conference November 6-8 Santa Rosa, CA, USA winetourismconference.org Agricultural Excellence Conference (AgEx) November 21-23 Ottawa, ON www.fmc-gac.com

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Spring 2017

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 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Congratulations to a Spirited Professional Wine industry icon Harry McWatters marked another milestone in his storied career, being awarded the 12th annual Spirited Industry Professional Award.

When McWatters sold both operations to Vincor Canada in 2000, he remained President of Sumac Ridge and See Ya Later Ranch and was a Vice President of Vincor Canada until he “retired” in 2008 and established the Vintage Consulting Group.

McWatters has since launched TIME Estate Winery and the McWatters Collection and co-developed the ENCORE Vineyards Ltd. business model. Instrumental in founding VQA Canada and serving as its first chairman, McWatters is also the founding chair of the BC Wine Information Society, the BC Hospitality Foundation, and numerous festivals and events focused on the BC wine industry. McWatters in 2003 received the prestigious Order of British Columbia for his services to the BC wine industry.

10 Spring 2017

Photo contributed

The award is presented to an individual who made a significant contribution to the sales, service or promotion of wine in British Columbia. McWatters is a 49-year veteran of the thriving BC wine industry. He founded Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, the first estate winery in the province, in 1980. Subsequently, he founded See Ya Later Ranch Estate Winery in 1995.

The 12th Annual Spirited Industry Professional Award goes to industry icon Harry McWatters.

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Carbon Tax Relief

Greenhouse operators can expect to see their carbon tax relief grants coming through in June this year.

The annual grant covers 80 per cent of the carbon tax that commercial greenhouse growers paid on the natural gas and propane they used for greenhouse heating and CO2 production in the previous year.

Commercial vegetable and floriculture producers, wholesale nurseries, and forest seedling nurseries are eligible to apply for the grant.

The Ministry of Agriculture expects the processing of applications to be completed by May 30, 2017.

Since making the greenhouse carbon tax relief grant a permanent program in 2013, commercial greenhouse operators have received grants of around $7 million per year. The commercial greenhouse sector is a successful, growing industry. In 2015, growers produced about 120,000 tonnes of vegetables, bringing in $308 million in revenue. B.C.’s floriculture and nursery industries generated half a billion dollars in combined revenues in 2015, which included 92 million cut flowers, over 54 million potted plants.

The B.C. government's Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan supports the greenhouse carbon tax relief grant program by encouraging greenhouse operators to adopt technology, practices and processes to enhance energy efficiency and competitiveness.

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Spring 2017 11

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

BC's Original Family-Owned Winery Celebrates Three Anniversaries The Founders of Gray Monk Estate Winery are celebrating a trio of major milestones; 35 years of crafting fine wines, 45 years of grape growing and 55 years of marriage.

Photo contributed

A true family business, George and Trudy Heiss, along with their three sons, Robert (operations manager), George Jr. (winemaker) and Steven (sales & distribution manager), own and farm 75 acres of vines and produce an extensive portfolio

of red, white and sparkling wines.

Beyond production of their own wines, the Heiss family has been instrumental in shaping the Okanagan wine industry.

The Heiss family brought the first Pinot Gris vines into Canada from the Alsace in 1976. Today, it is the most widely planted white varietal in the Okanagan Valley.

Make sure you drop by the ‘Home of Pinot Gris’ to toast the past and celebrate the future!

www.OkanaganFarms.com

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SOUTHEAST KELOWNA Central country estate with sprawling 3400 sf rancher & secondary home. Perched above 12.81 acres of prime land. Easy maintenance & low taxes! Continue to lease out or plant your private estate vineyard or orchard.

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Your local experts in farm, residential, and estate properties JERRY GEEN

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SOUTHEAST KELOWNA Acreage with quaint country home surrounded by organic peach orchard. Renovate or start fresh with beautiful building sites.

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OSOYOOS 10 acres strategically situated within walking distance of Osoyoos and lake. 3+ acres of greenhouses churning out cucumbers at record rates. Approx. 4.5 acres of modern orchard, mainly cherries. Shop, cold storage & loads of farm help accommodation.

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

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 SPRING | FEATURED PRODUCTS

Improve Palate Sensations Mannofeel are liquid pure mannoproteins extracted from yeast cell walls and highly purified which provide complex mouthfeel and finesse on the palate.

This direct add product respects the aromatic profile of the wine while providing immediate impacts on the palate as late as 24hrs before bottling. http://www.cellartek.com/

HIT FUNGUS RIGHT IN THE

GRAPES

Yeast Developed for Cider Renaissance Fresco yeast has been specifically developed for cider producers.

Fresco conveys an apple character and a refreshing crisp finish by strong, steady kinetics. It is a medium bodied, dry fermenting yeast with a balanced crisp citrus finish. Notable flavours and aromas include red apple, pear and citrus. http://ecom.bosagrape.com

Don’t let fungus steal the fruits of your labour.

Strike botrytis and powdery mildew where it hurts with Fracture, the only biological that physically attacks fungal cells with multiple unique modes of action. With exceptional effectiveness and resistance management, and no re-entry interval, you can get back to your crop faster.

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Always read and follow label directions. FMC and Fracture are trademarks of FMC Corporation. © 2016 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved.

16FMC015_Fracture Print - Grapes Orchard & Vine (BC)

Spring 2017 13

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

B.C. Farmers’ Markets Benefit From Buy Local Funding Program

Farmers’ markets play an increasingly important role in the economic impact of a community and increasing the sales revenues of B.C. producers. With the goals of reconnecting local producers with suburban consumers, and citizens with each other, the Coquitlam Farmers’ Market Society operates one of Metro Vancouver’s longest running suburban farmers’ markets.

The Poirier Street Market is a weekly outdoor summer market that is celebrating its 21st year in the community this sea-

Photo by Province of British Columbia

The B.C. government’s Buy Local program is providing six local farmers’ markets with a combined total of $57,055 in funding. The Coquitlam Farmers’ Market Society is receiving up to $7,830 in funding to advertise through a social media campaign, creating promotional materials and updating the organization’s website to bring more visitors to their year round markets.

Linda Reimer, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam at the Port Moody Winter Market.

son. Along with more than 65 vendors, visitors will find food events, demonstrations and workshops, entertainment and kids’ activities and crafts. During the colder months, the Port Moody Winter

Farmers’ Market offers a weekly indoor/ outdoor winter market with over 35 vendors where visitors can learn about gardening, growing their own food and participating in special cooking classes.

Agriculture is our way of life too Meet Graham In 12 years at FCC, Graham’s helped hundreds of Canadian producers build their dreams. Like everyone on your FCC team, Graham knows your industry and he’ll get to know you.

1-800-387-3232

Graham Bolton FCC Senior Relationship Manager

14 Spring 2017

fcc.ca

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

RauDZ Teams Up with Terrafina at Hester Creek Estate Winery RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd. Is proud to welcome one of the South Okanagan’s most celebrated wine country restaurants, Terrafina at Hester Creek into it’s family of restaurants and bars.

RauDZ Creative Concepts co-creator/ owner, Audrey Surrao (the au in RauDZ) commented, “We are excited about this opportunity to collaborate with one of the valley’s best wineries”. Audrey, who is also the key behind the Okanagan focused wine portfolio offered at her restaurants commented, “I have spent the last 15 years tasting and building relationships with winemakers and wineries up and down the valley, never imagining this would happen. It’s truly a perfect fit.”

The ‘star players’ in this project have known each other for decades. Chef Rod Butters, and his business partner Audrey Surrao and Roger Gillespie, the Director of Hospitality at Hester Creek all worked together at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino in the late 90’s. At the time Rod was Chef de Cuisine focused on honing his innovative farm to table menu and philosophy. These relationships started strong and have endured.

Meaning ‘from the earth’ Terrafina will continue with the Tuscan themed cuisine but will be infused with the innovative, locally focused flavours that RauDZ is famous for. As one of the pioneers of the ‘eat local’ movement and his commitment to regional BC cuisine, Chef Butters is excited to have a restaurant in another part of the valley.

Terrafina at Hester Creek by RauDZ is planning an April 2017 launch.

Photo contributed

Terrafina is a gorgeous Tuscan style restaurant nestled amongst the vines of Hester Creek Estate Winery in Oliver. This unique vineyard dining experience provides the perfect partner to be enhanced by the culinary and service expertise of RauDZ Creative Concepts. Set on the 105acre Mediterranean-influenced grounds, views at Hester Creek are highlighted by the vineyard laden hills of the Golden Mile Bench and the estate boasts some of the oldest vines in the region.

RauDZ Creative Concepts team with Jenna Pillon, Roger Gillespie of Hester Creek.

Energy Efficient Design, Refrigeration and HVAC Systems

• Wineries • Breweries • Distilleries • Fruit Storage Coolers • Freezers • Blast Tunnels • Chillers • Hydro-coolers and Heat Reclaim Systems Offering combination systems using solar PV electric, combined cooling, heat, and power systems (capable of producing potable hot water), and electrical control systems.

“First consultation is free. Whether it’s a 1-ton system or 1000-ton system, when it comes to your refrigeration needs, NORLOCK has it locked down COLD.”

Family owned and operated for 35 years, Kelowna Bus: 250-764-7834 Cell: 250-862-6879 norlock@shaw.ca www.norlockrefrigeration.com Extensive experience working with Fortis and BC Hydro on obtaining energy rebates for our customers.

Spring 2017 15

Sponsored Article

More Knowledge to Savor: A New Analyzer for Wine Wine producers value being completely in charge of their production – as it’s their decision-making, their personal touch that gives good wine its character. A new alcohol and extract meter for wine, Alex 500 from Anton Paar, now frees wine producers from the need for external laboratories.

The reliable lab-grade analyzer determines their wine’s alcohol and total extract content whenever they wish. Now easily able to monitor their entire production from grape to bottle, wine producers can always be sure to keep their customer promise.

Anton Paar has been a partner to the wine industry for decades; by now the Austrian high-precision measuring instrument manufacturer is the world’s leading provider of alcohol and density measurement in this industry. The company’s latest innovation is the Alex 500 alcohol and extract meter, based on a patented combination of technologies: absorption measurement via NIR spectroscopy and density measurement based on the oscillating U-tube technology.

Alex 500 places winemakers at the helm of their entire production process, from fermentation monitoring to quality control of the bottled product. The compact, easily operated instrument can be used in two modes: In the fermentation monitor mode, it directly displays a fermentation curve, assigned to a tank via sample ID. At the end of the wine’s fermentation, Alex 500 can be switched to its standard mode, to determine the wine’s alcohol and total extract content with lab-grade accuracy.

Alex 500 measures alcohol with an accuracy of 0.2 % v/v and determines density with an accuracy of 0.001 g/cm³. With these numbers on their side, winery masters can be certain that their wine’s taste and quality always come through. Best of all, they can handle the entire measurement procedure themselves, to always be sure that their taxes are correctly calculated, their winemaking process is reliably monitored and undesired deviations in production are immediately corrected.

This speed is one of many differences that set Alex 500 apart from the glass hydrometers still commonly found in smaller wine cellars. In contrast to these, Alex 500 covers the entire wine measuring range, not just part of it. Producers are provided with direct, real-time results, without the neces16 Spring 2017

The portable density meter from Anton Paar, DMA 35, is ideal for fast density checks on fermenting wine.

Alex 500 from Anton Paar, now frees wine producers from the need for external laboratories. sity for a separate calculation or distillation.

They only need one single instrument for all samples in their production – a really robust one that will not break. In addition, all data is automatically documented and perfectly traceable.

Winemakers are given a wide range of new opportunities by Alex 500, an attractively priced solution based on decades of wine measurement expertise. The difference is freedom – to reveal all grapes’ hidden treasures, in every winemaker’s very own way.

The Alex 500, alcohol and extract meter.

Anton Paar GmbH was established in 1922 as a one-man locksmith’s workshop. Today, over 2,000 employees worldwide develop, produce and distribute high-quality measuring instruments for the determination of properties such as density, temperature and viscosity as well as high-precision mechanical parts and assemblies. Anton Paar has strong links with universities and research laboratories worldwide. The company is owned by the Santner Foundation, which invests in research in the field of science and technology as well as in the rehabilitation of drug addicts. www.anton-paar.com • info@anton-paar.com

Your wine – your way

Alex 500: Independence for winemakers

- fills your sample automatically via peristaltic pump - is calibrated and adjusted for all your samples with deionized water only - draws fermentation curves for all your ongoing fermentations - measures alcohol and total extract content at the end of your wine’s fermentation

Get in touch: www.anton-paar.com

Spring 2017 17

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Art at Liquidity Wines In celebration of Canada's 150th birthday, Liquidity Wines will host a series of exhibits, artist workshops, free events and lectures taking place throughout 2017.

May 13 marks the unveiling of "The Dinner Party" by Jeff Burgess - the renowned artist and mind behind the massive ensemble painting on display at Liquidity, commonly known as the "Pope Painting."

From June 3 to July 2, Liquidity will host award-winning photographer David Burdeny for an exclusive photographic exhibition entitled "OCEAN." BEIJING

TIANJIN

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CHICAGO

EDMONTON

• Next day delivery to mainland China • Temperature-controlled storage For quotes or bookings, please email Exp Air Cargo at quotes@expaircargo.com or visit expaircargo.com

July 15 weekend Liquidity will be joining forces with Noble Ridge Winery and the Federation of Canadian Artists for Art & Wine in the Vines.

During this weekend, Liquidity is also proud to welcome Vancouver-based sculptor Marie Khouri for an intimate artist lecture.

As the leaves turn colour for fall so do the gallery walls, hosting the masterful works of celebrated Canadian artist Tim Okamura from September 9 to October 9, 2017.

The art series events at Liquidity Wines are free and open to the public, providing guests with an up-close and personal opportunity to meet acclaimed Canadian artists.

For more information: visit Liquiditywines.com or call (778) 515-5500.

Wineries, Distilleries and Cideries Ingredients, Supplies and Equipment Enzymes - Tannins - Oak - Yeasts Cellar Chemicals - Lab Reagents Filter pads - S/S Tanks -Fittings

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 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Avenue Machinery Celebrates 70 Years in the Agricultural Industry Avenue Machinery Corp. opened its doors in 1947 in Mission, B.C. specializing in the sale and service of Massey Ferguson farm tractors. By 1968 - Avenue moved to their current location in Abbotsford.

In 2000, Avenue was sold to the Marubeni Corporation of Japan, at that time they expanded to include the Central and North Okanagan area, now with dealerships in Abbotsford, West Kelowna, Vernon and Rock Creek.

Then in 2012, Avenue was sold to it's current owners Dave Brandsma, Andy Mitchell, Chris Britten and Al Short, bringing Avenue back into local ownership. With a combined 75 years of equipment sales and service expertise the new owners are well versed in the agriculture and light construction industry.

Having the owners live and work in the local area has enabled Avenue to grow to new levels of success, with a focus on bringing top level service and expanded parts availability our sales have grown to be a leader in the agriculture and light construction sectors.

we are even more excited about what the future holds for us with such great products to offer to our valued customers,“ says Chris Britten, Chief Operations Manager

Avenue has achieved sales awards many times over the years. In 2014 and 2015 Avenue achieved the highest award from Kubota Canada as the Platinum dealer in Western Canada.

Avenue is proud to represent these great product lines and looks forward to serving their customers for many more years to come.

“We recognize that it’s our customers that bring us our success,

https://avenuemachinery.ca

PLANTING THIS SPRING? APPLES? GRAPES? CHERRIES? STONE FRUITS? Superior Peat™ when used at planting: • Reduces the effect of replant disease without fumigation.

• Adds organic material to the soil.

• Reduces nutrient leeching.

• Balances high alkaline soils.

• Retains moisture and nutrients.

• Reduces irrigation requirements.

• Improves soil microbial activity.

• Contains Mycorrhizae

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

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Spring 2017 19

Sponsored Article

Better than Burning: A Mechanized

Vineyard tractor sweeping with an orchard and vineyard-specific Munckhof Sweeper followed by flail mowing with a high-quality flail mower creates a fine mulch from orchard floor debris.

Burn baby burn. That’s how pruning used to end. It was a time consuming ordeal that made neighbours unhappy with the smoke. In recent years burning was often restricted by bylaws from municipalities or led to fines.

It’s also a time consuming process: Prune the vines and trees, gather the materials, take everything to the burn pile and burn. Then stand by and watch for hours when that time could be better spent elsewhere.

Growers in the Okanagan are only allowed to burn on days when the smoke from their fires will vent out and leave the valley floor. Oliver Fire Chief Bob Graham deals with about a dozen burning complaints every spring from growers who burn on days that are not permitted.

“Often growers don’t check the local 20 Spring 2017

"The sweeping machine goes on the front of the tractor and the mulcher goes on the back… It’s a great way to save time and money because the whole job can be done from the tractor seat. There’s no need for all the manual labour.”

Dennis Munckhof venting index, or get their index from an incorrect source like BC Forestry.” The appropriate place to get the venting information is the local district office (250490-4125 for the RDOS).

But growers still have to pull the debris out of the field which means that materials still have to be gathered up and removed, entailing arduous raking and piling and some serious manual labour.

In the past, burning was the only way to be sure that viruses, pathogens and fungi were effectively killed off. Today we have other alternatives.

There is a better choice - one that's time saving, reduces pathogen levels, enhances soil quality, and is better for the environment. Growers who want to be both economical and ecological have turned to sweeping and flail mowing.

Composting is a good option for destroying prunings and killing the potentially harmful organisms that they may harbor, while not harming the environment.

The objective of burning or composting prunings is to clear the ground so that

Solution that Beats the Burn Pile people and equipment can move freely, while removing the unwanted viral fungi and pathogens. Sweeping all of the debris into the center of the row, and then chopping them into very fine mulch achieves both these goals.

Dennis Munckhof, of Munckhof Manufacturing, specializes in helping growers avoid burning and limit the time and hassles involved with post-pruning work. He recommends sweeping with an orchard and vineyard-specific sweeper followed by flail mowing with a high-quality flail mower able to create a fine mulch from orchard floor debris.

Dennis explains how this process also helps control pathogens.

“There aren’t very many studies available comparing the effects of burning versus sweeping and flail mowing, but benefits are being seen by Californian growers who had to find other options when burning was banned across many parts of the state,” he says.

neighbor complaints and prevent any municipal or environmental concerns around burning. Together, the sweeper and mower ensure the job of cleaning the field is done with ease.

“The sweeping machine goes on the front of the tractor and the mulcher goes on the back,” Dennis explains. “It’s a great way to save time and money because the whole job can be done from the tractor seat. There’s no need for all the manual labour.”

The Munckhof sweepers are incredibly flexible and come in two varieties. One has nimble poly-plastic fingers adept at grabbing small sticks and debris under 1” diameter from in between rows. The other, a rubber paddle sweeper, is a lower profile and is ideal for heavy pruning’s over 1” in diameter. It’s the ideal way to get everything off the orchard floor and pull it all out into the row.

By attaching two sweepers, one on either side of the front of the tractor, the

operator can ensure a simple one pass per row.

Once the debris is swept into the row, the flail mower mulches the waste making an ideal organic addition to the soil and preventing the need for gathering debris and carting it to a burn pile. No more smoke, no more pollution and less work.

The benefits of sweeping and flail mowing are clear: Less pollution, improved soil, time and money saved.

Munckhof Manufacturing is a versatile manufacturing company in the Okanagan, family owned and operated since 1979.

Specializing in equipment for vineyard, orchard, fruit and vegetable sorting lines, hydro cooling and custom fabricating in their 16,000 sq ft plant. www.munckhof.com

“The prevailing theory is that sweeping and flail mowing doesn’t remove the fungi and pathogens from the field, but it destroys the preferred host material those problems like to live in,” he adds. “When you destroy the prunings, you take away their home. So while they may still exist in the soil and leftover materials, they won't be able to take hold, grow or reproduce.”

To keep those soil-borne pests even further at bay, Dennis points to a trick seen in California.

“The Californian growers spray or spread lime sulphur after mowing to help decay the host materials even faster,” he explains. “It makes life even more difficult for the diseases living on the woody prunings.”

It is important that the right tools and techniques are used for the job. Inadequate cleaning under the row, or using an inappropriate mower that isn't set up to handle the task leaves branches and prunings in the row and contributes to problems down the road when they are not disposed of properly.

With these two tools, growers have the job well in hand to save time, avoid

Spring 2017 21

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22 Spring 2017

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So You Want to be a Farmer‌

Photos contributed

Lake Country family changes their life to fulfill a lifelong dream of running a farm.

Glenn Rose harvesting peaches in Lake Country.

by Tracey Fredrickson It’s a long way from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles to the pastoral landscapes of Lake Country, but it was a transition Jamie and Glenn Rose embraced in order to achieve the dream of a farming lifestyle for their family.

In the process of creating Rose Family Orchard, the couple put aside their business careers in California to move to Canada and buy a farm in Lake Country. By taking the time to research the potential for a sustainable farm and create a detailed business plan, they avoided many lessons they could have learned by trial and error. In under two years, Rose Family Orchard is on the fast-track to reaching its goals. This was recognized by the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce earlier this year when it presented the farm The Rose family traded Los Angeles traffic jams for driving a tractor in Lake Country.

Spring 2017 23

We feel that Lake Country is the perfect place to call home as we grow and shape our orchard into a unique property where tourists and locals can enjoy all that the Okanagan has to offer.

- Jamie Rose with its 2016 Agricultural Innovator of the Year award.

Inspiration for this family affair goes far back for both Jamie and Glenn. As a child, Jamie’s mother worked at a ranch in Irvine, California and the memories of that experience left Jamie longing for a life in agriculture. Glenn was born in Toronto and his family moved to Las Angeles when he was five. He had worked on a horse ranch when he was a youngster and had the same subtle yearning. The couple met in Los Angeles, married and had two children, Aidan and Emily but as the pressure of managing two careers while raising a family steadily increased and the recession peaked in 2008, they began to explore other options for their family. They decided they wanted to raise their children in Canada around a farm or orchard lifestyle far from the big city.

“Glenn had a strong connection to his Canadian roots and when I asked him where in Canada he wanted to live, he replied, “Google the warmest part and let’s move there,” recalls Jamie. In the summer of 2013 they rented a house in Lake Country and fell in love with the area. They returned in December to make sure they could handle the Canadian winter, then went back to LA, listed their business and house for sale, and began telling friends and family they were moving to Canada.

Many agricultural properties have been purchased as part of a dream without due diligence applied to the business of farming. While the Roses were strongly attracted by the beauty and “sense of place” that characterizes Lake Country, “we also liked the solid base of agritourism businesses that were here,” says

Photos contributed

Jamie. “Having spent many vacations in wine country in California we saw how the industry developed. We saw the growth of wineries, restaurants and supplemental businesses that fed into a massive agri-tourism industry around the regions of Napa, Paso Robles and Santa Ynez. We could see this area of Canada developing in the same way and felt it was poised for long term growth as more and more businesses moved into the area.”

Previous owner and mentor Walter Frank, teaching Emily Rose about the apple growing.

24 Spring 2017

With Lake Country chosen as the location, the couple zeroed in on a potential property that had been farmed for decades by the Franks, one of the District’s pioneer farm families. They did a business plan that helped them secure financing towards the business through Farm Credit Canada and as part of their market research began working with the property’s owner, Walter Frank to learn farming first hand. “We didn’t know much about being orchardists but we’re

tified in the business plan, centres on “strengthening the relationship between consumers and the orchard through direct marketing of high quality fruit and produce, and offering positive farm experiences.” In their application for the Lake Country Agricultural Innovator Award, three factors demonstrate how this mission is being accomplished. Less than 5% of what the farm grows turns into waste compared to the industry standard of 20% to 40%. It produces a diverse, “fun” line of food products using items grown on the farm, and starting in 2017, the orchard will offer food-based events where people living or staying in the Okanagan can enjoy unique farm experiences including gourmet picnic lunches and farm tours. Longer term plans include classical music and theatre luncheon events, and a cidery and tasting room on the property.

hard workers and eager to learn,” Jamie says. “Walter is still a valuable mentor to us along with several other farm operators in the area.”

Many avenues were explored as potential income streams. Making use of wasted fruit on the orchard was a concern to the Roses and they became intent on salvaging as much of the fruit as they could.

They also realized early that the going price for fruit would not provide them with enough income to make a living from selling only fruit, so they expanded into baked goods to achieve additional revenue. After making small quantities of pies, frozen fruit, canned fruit, dried fruit and fruit juice they realized there were good marketing opportunities for products made from B grade fruits.

Working with the District of Lake Country and Interior Health, they gained a BC food manufacturers’ license and built a small commercial kitchen in their house to step up production.

To ensure some continued revenue in the non-fruit producing seasons, the couple took chocolate making classes and began making chocolates. With the exceptional response from family and friends to their creations, they started a business called Okanagan Sweets and now market the chocolates under that name. In their first growing season, 2016, they added a large garden in the front of the property with the idea of growing produce just for the family, but the yield was so large they built a small farm store on the property and sold the products from there. “It’s a bit of an addiction now just to see how much we can expand our production,” says Jamie. The garden has doubled in size since they started it and a squash garden is being put in this spring. The farm’s garlic crop has tripled, haskap berries have been planted and blackberries are next on the list. Grape production is expected to double.

Farm weddings are also on the horizon and putting the elements in place for this part of the business plan was a major education. Even before purchasing the property, Jamie and Glenn researched what was needed to comply with local zoning, but when their application was nevertheless turned down by the Agricultural Land Commission, the District of Lake Council staff stepped up to support them. “Almost every Council member and their Economic Development Officer came out to tour the farm,” says Jamie.

The District worked directly with the ALC on our behalf to have the application reviewed and finally it was approved,” says Jamie. “The message sent out by our Mayor and the District was, ‘This is what we want for our community.’ “ From the District’s point of view, “The Roses are approaching agricultural business in innovative ways,” says Lake Country’s Economic Development Officer Jamie McEwan. “They are passionate, dedicated and taking the right steps to properly plan and execute a business model that fits with the community.

We’re here to work with them along this exciting path.”

“Yes we have big plans and it will take several years to reach the breadth of what we would like to offer,” says Jamie.

“We feel that Lake Country is the perfect place to call home as we grow and shape our orchard into a unique property where tourists and locals can enjoy all that the Okanagan has to offer.” ■

The formal mission for the farm, iden

Spring 2017 25

Blattner Varieties Gain Ground Cabernet Libre, Cabernet Foch, Sauvignette, Petite Milo, and a range of blends are finding their place alongside the more traditional varieties on Vancouver Island.

By Tamara Leigh When Valentin Blattner started his breeding program in the 1980s, he wanted to reduce the use of chemicals in viticulture, but in order to do that, the wines needed to stand on their own. Thirty years later, the Swiss breeder’s successes are quite literally gaining ground in Vancouver Island vineyards, and producing some increasingly popular new wines.

Cabernet Libre, Cabernet Foch, Sauvignette (aka Epicure), Petite Milo, and a range of blends are finding their place alongside the more traditional varieties that Vancouver Island is known for like Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

When Unsworth Vineyard in the Cowichan Valley was looking to expand their plantings in 2011 they put their trust in winemaker Daniel Cosman, and his belief in Blattner’s work, and planted six of the Blattner varietals.

“The start of Unsworth is very much tied to the Blattner varieties we planted,” says Chris Turyck, a certified Sommelier and winery ambassador for Unworth, who is involved in all areas of operation.

“It is an agricultural duty to reduce the amount of chemicals and sprays we use. It's an important sustainability question.

What are your farming practices to make sure your vineyard is there,” he says. “From an agricultural perspective, it's equally important as finding a wine that's appropriate for our region and tastes delicious.”

Under Cosman’s guidance, Unsworth has proven that Blattner varieties can make wines that appeal to consumers and connoisseurs alike. Part of the challenge is establishing these new wines in an industry where consumers are programmed to look for what they know.

“From a marketplace perspective in the world of wine, things always come down to comparables,” Turyck explains. “One that really fits that bill for us is a varietal called Sauvignette. The structure on the palate, the acid and the body and intensity of flavor is similar to Chenin Blanc or Reisling, but has some really fun aromatic tones that you might expect from Viognier without the fat, while it retains a piercing acidity and minerality as well.”

Turyck compares another white, Amiel, to a pinot blanc or semillion. Petite Milo, brings a crisp acidity and generous fruit 26 Spring 2017

Paul Troop in front of one of the more interesting of the new red varieties which has not

Photos contributed

on Vancouver Island

yet been named 48.05.83, (in fourth leaf).

Spring 2017 27

On Vancouver Island, five of the last 10 vintages were terrible… the Blattner varieties… were not affected, and the flavors of the wines were consistent.

- Daniel Cosman aroma similar to a Riesling. Among the reds, Cabernet Libre tastes and smells like a cool climate cabernet franc. He characterizes Labelle much like a merlot or cabernet sauvignon, and recommends it as a blending partner to Cabernet Libre.

“One that has extraordinary potential, but has only been made three times in its history, is one we affectionately call 83,” says Cosman, noting that they are still ironing out the fermentation profile.

“At times it reminds me of what I would expect Sangiovese would be like grown in the Loire Valley. I think it’s exciting. It’s the way of the future.”

Cosman’s excitement has played a significant role in building a future for Blattner varieties in Canada. Before he met the Turycks he worked with Paul Troop, a winemaker on Saltspring Island who has been running variety trials for Valentin

Blattner on Saltspring since 1998.

“Daniel Cosman has been a real driving force behind getting these varieties planted. Without him this wouldn't have happened,” says Paul Troop. “He saw what the potential was and promoted it from a planting perspective. He really made it happen.”

It is always a gamble to try something new, and Cosman credits Unsworth owner Tim Turyck for being willing to take that initial risk. Their successes to date have helped ensure the program continues.

“We apply our most strict wine making philosophies and sommelier evaluation.

The goal is to create something incredible,” says Cosman. “I’ve always trusted Chris to be brutally honest with me when I make wines, and at times we have failed. His palate put to test the ability of

Valentin Blattner's trial vineyards in Switzerland.

these wines to stand up to international standards.”

“Here's the thing with these modern varieties - if I want to make a pinot noir and I've never made wine before, I can sit at a computer and spend six months reading about every detail. If I want to make cabernet libre or petite milot, I can't phone anybody. We are literally writing the book on working with these varieties,” he says.

Paul Troop remains part of the avantgarde of winemaking with Blattner varietals through his work with Saltspring Island Vineyards, and is continuing his work on the variety trials. He currently has 100 new varieties in the testing phase, and will be starting more from seed in the coming year.

Chris Turyk, Winery Ambassador.

28 Spring 2017

Daniel Cosman, Consulting Winemaker.

As a winemaker, Troop sees an opportunity for the Blattner varieties to help establish a regional identity for Island wines. As a viticulturist, he is adamant

that these new varieties are part of a change that needs to happen in the industry.

planted to replace old varieties in Germany, and significant acreage going into France and Italy.

“Viticulture accounts for three percent of world agricultural production, but something like 20 percent of pesticides used. The reason is because the vinifera grape is susceptible to a whole pile of diseases. To me, from an ethical perspective, there's a bit of a problem,” says Troop. “If we want to address that, if we care about those kinds of things, then it’s obvious that we need to be looking for something other than 100 percent vinifera grapes.”

“They are starting to put in hybrids because the varieties are sometimes indiscernible from the so-called noble varieties, and they need a fraction of the pesticide use. All of this translates into massive savings – up to 30 percent of operations,” says Cosman.

Selected for disease resistance, manageability, and resilience as well as their flavour profiles, Blattner varieties are gaining attention in even the most conservative wine regions. Much of the rationale is economic.

According to Cosman, there are close to one million Blattner vines a year being

“On Vancouver Island, five of the last 10 vintages were terrible, but it was during that time period that the Blattner varieties really came to fruition - no rot, yields were not affected, and the flavors of the wines were consistent. The results were clear to Paul and I at the time.

Why would any farmer consider planting something that wouldn't ripen in your worst possible year?” he adds.

Troop is the sole distributor of Blattner varieties in Canada. He has been filling orders for a growing list of vineyards

including Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Lillooet, Ontario and Nova Scotia.

This year he will also be sending vines to researchers in Oregon, California, Washington and Tennessee. It is all part of a broader global expansion.

“I believe that, no matter where one is in the viticulture world, they will be faced with having to accept and embrace new varieties that are not 100% vinifera,” says Troop. “Large wineries, especially those owned by national and international corporations have a vested interest in resisting these changes but, in time, regulations and environmental issues are bound to force that attitude to change.”

“I have found that working with Blattner has been on the leading/bleeding edge but it is only the early beginning of the change that is certain to come,” he concludes. ■

Spring 2017 29

San Juan Wine Region Looks to

By Gary Symons

Canadians drink an awful lot of wine from Argentina, but very few of us have ever been to one of the world’s largest wine producing regions.

That’s something the federal and state governments in Argentina would like to change, and they are looking at the Okanagan Valley as a model for future growth.

I just spent a week in San Juan Province, a wide patch of irrigated desert in the shadow of the Andes that is the second largest area for wine production in Argentina after Mendoza, it’s more famous neighbour to the south.

I visited three wineries and attended a two-day corporate wine tasting event with about three dozen wineries - or bodegas, as they are called in Argentina - and found an industry that is well funded, well organized, and turning out a terrific product.

That industry dwarfs the wine industry in BC. Argentina has planted out more than 553,000 acres with wine grapes, and about 97 per cent of that land is in Mendoza and San Juan, compared to only 10,000 acres in all of British Columbia.

The country produces more than 1.5 billion litres of wine annually, and is the 10th largest wine exporter in the world. About 10 per cent of Argentina’s exports go to Canada, and about 34 per cent to the United States.

And yet, very few people travel to this region for wine tours.

While I was trying out various wines in San Juan I also asked the winery owners whether they had facilities for tourists, and how many tourists they would expect to visit in a year. Most did not host tourists at all, and those that did were frankly not that busy.

One winemaker told me he owned likely the busiest bodega in San Juan Province in terms of tourist visits, and got about 7,000 a year.

He just about choked on his Malbec when I told him a popular winery in the Okanagan could easily get twice that number in a single week.

According to the most recent figures from the BC government, the Okanagan gets about 800,000 people doing wine tours every year, or more than 15,000 per week. Of course, the majority of those come during the spring, summer and early fall.

If you walk into Mission Hill on a sunny summer day there are so many wine tourists it can be a tough haul just to shoulder your way into the tasting bar! By contrast, I visited a great winery in San Juan called Merced del Estero, which is ranked as the sixth best attraction in San Juan.

I saw a few locals come in and buy some wine, but no tourists came to visit the winery while I was there, and this is generally true throughout the region. While the area is beautiful and in 30 Spring 2017

Merced del Estero Winery is among the few bodegas catering to tourism in San Juan,

Photos by Gary Symons

the Okanagan for Inspiration

Argentina.

Spring 2017 31

Bottles waiting for labeling at Merced del Estero.

many ways similar to BC, I saw only four or five foreign tourists in San Juan during the entire week of my visit.

This outlines the huge challenge facing Argentina as it attempts to rebuild its economy after a disastrous round of hyper-inflation and repeated recessions. It is, in fact, the same challenge that faced BC and Ontario two decades ago, when the then-nascent wine industry faced competition from US winemakers after the signing of the NAFTA deal: How to build a viable wine industry based on tourist visits?

Canadians sometimes don’t give themselves enough credit, but as someone who has toured Bordeaux, Tuscany, Rioja and San Juan, I can truly say the wine industries of Ontario and BC have done a superlative job of increasing the amount of revenue earned per acre.

Unlike Argentina, which has a vast region suitable for wine production, BC has only a very tiny area, and the wine region in Ontario isn’t that much larger.

But when you look at how much money BC generates from each acre, the picture looks a lot better. According to a study by the Okanagan School of Business, in 2010 the wine industry contributed $87.3 32 Spring 2017

‘Canopy' style vineyard management in San Juan reduces the intense heat reflected from the ground.

natural attractions such as the twisted landscapes in Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) or the insane people who roar around the Pampa del Leoncito on ‘wind cars’. Imagine a kid’s go kart strapped to a large sail, ripping across the desert floor at more than 60 kmh, and you get the idea.

But unlike the Okanagan, the region just doesn’t get many visitors.

Moreno says the plan now is to study other regions that are popular with tourists, particularly wine regions like the Okanagan, or the adventure tourism areas like Banff, and use similar strategies to grow the tourism industry over the next 20 years.

A busy night in the plaza; main tourist area in San Juan is crowded well into the early morning.

million in direct output to the BC economy, with an indirect output of $51.8 million.

These are dated numbers, and the GDP impacts have clearly soared in the six years since those figures were recorded.

Simply put, BC generates more dollars per acre than any other wine region on earth.

People visiting the Okanagan buy wine at full price at the winery, increasing the margin on each bottle. They buy souvenirs, join tours, pay for wine tasting, eat meals, stay at hotels, buy gas, visit attractions and spend their money in a hundred different ways.

This isn’t happening in Argentina yet, so the GDP impact per bottle is much, much lower, as is the profit margin the winemaker is earning for each bottle.

While in San Juan I spoke to Alejandro Moreno, who works in Economic Development for San Juan Province. Moreno told me the province is launching new programs beginning this year to emulate the success enjoyed by regions like the Okanagan Valley, the Niagara Peninsula, and of course Napa Valley.

San Juan is a rugged and mountainous region, dominated by the Andes mountain range and the arid desert in the valley below, and like BC it has several

Moreno and his team are already working with foreign travel companies to build ‘Glamping’ (glamour camping) destination resorts, that will also package tours for wine travel, adventure travel, and for agritourism. Also like BC’s Okanagan Valley, the San Juan government wants to create ‘wine trails’ that tourists can easily follow, and to rebrand their wines and their region so that San Juan becomes better known as a wine designation.

At the moment Mendoza to the south gets virtually all of the attention from wine tourists and wine snobs alike, but the truth is that even Mendoza does not do that well at attracting foreign tourists.

While Canadian winery owners may sometimes feel small in comparison to much larger wine regions like Napa and Sonoma, Bordeaux and Provence, Tuscany and Piedmont, it’s good to know that many regions in the world consider Canadians to be best in class in the area of wine tourism. ■

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Spring 2017 33

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What’s Going on in the Fraser Valley's Strawberry Soils?

By Ronda Payne Siva Sabaratnam, plant pathologist with the BC Ministry of Agriculture is seeing too many problems in strawberry fields lately. He recognizes that many of the issues involve soil-borne pathogens and wanted to take a closer look. In order to help strawberry growers understand what’s happening in their dirt, he presented his findings of the 20 strawberry fields studied at the late-January Pacific Agriculture Show in Abbotsford.

This survey is timely. There has been modest growth in the number of strawberry fields recently, with approximately 250 hectares (600 acres) currently in production in the Lower Mainland.

Photo by Ronda Payne

“We noticed a lot of issues in strawberries these days, especially with soil-borne pathogens,” Sabaratnam says. “So we did a survey.”

Siva Sabaratnam, plant pathologist with the Ministry of Agriculture.

“We’re seeing interest because of the day-neutral [strawberries],” he adds.

can be very hard to identify and control them. Specifically, Sabaratnam points to black root rot, red stele root rot, wilt and crown rot as being a significant hassle.

The survey looked at fields in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island (Abbotsford, Delta, Chilliwack, Langley, Saanich and Victoria) and included sampling and analysis (twice per field) as well as questions to growers about their management practices.

“Fusarium [wilt] is one of the common ones you can see in the field most of the time. These pathogens are difficult to control because there is no one specific control for all of them,” he says. “The symptoms are very varied, there are a lot of different symptoms.”

These fields consisted of three different kinds of production systems: bare soil (both with and without irrigation), raised beds (with black tarps, single or double-drip irrigation) and one greenhouse/polyhouse.

One symptom he points to as being the most common is the dying of older leaves, with seemingly healthy new leaves which gradually also die off.

Soil-borne pathogens are challenging.

They survive in soils for a long time and it

Other symptoms include powdery mildew and the appearance of phospho-

“The plant is going to die eventually,” says Sabaratnam.

rous, nitrogen and iron deficiency. Signs of mineral deficiencies can be particularly challenging because treating those deficiencies won’t eliminate the soil-borne pathogen causing the symptoms.

In the fields studied, about 25 per cent had Verticillium, 55 per cent had Rhizoctonia fragariea, 80 per cent had Fusarium, 25 per cent had Cylindrocarpon and five per cent had Phytophthora. Of the 20 fields, eight had three pathogens, the average. Other fields ranged from having just one pathogen up to five.

Of note was the fact that Rhizoctonia and Verticillium were quite often found together in one field. This is a concern to Sabaratnam because there are very few chemical controls. He noted that Quadris (azoxystrobin) and Scholar (fludioxonil) are licensed for use on Rhizoctonia.

Spring 2017 35

Photo by Brian Perchtel, Bugwood.org

Meet our Agriculture Services Team We know that farming is more than a business – it’s a way of life.

We are committed to serving Canada’s farm communities by providing flexible financial solutions that let you get on with the business of farming.

Contact one of our Agriculture Specialists. We’ll take the time necessary to understand your unique needs. Together we can meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.

Jeremy Siddall District Manager British Columbia 250-763-4241, ext. 305 250-681-4656 jeremy.siddall@td.com

Scott Shields Account Manager Abbotsford & Fraser Valley 604-870-2222 scott.shields@td.com

Dave Gill Account Manager Abbotsford & Fraser Valley 604-870-2224 baldev.gill@td.com

Leonard Cardiff Account Manager BC Interior 250-763-4241, ext. 333 leonard.cardiff@td.com

Kuljit K. Mann Analyst Abbotsford & Fraser Valley 604-870-2228 kuljit.mann@td.com

Meagan Beattie Analyst BC Interior 250-681-4241, ext. 306 meagan.beattie@td.com

Healthy strawberry plant (left) and strawberry plant infected with verticillium wilt (right)

Karen W. Taylor, PhD, MBA, P.Ag.

®

Photo by S. T. Koike

Relationship Manager Abbotsford & Fraser Valley 604-870-2229 karen.w.taylor@td.com The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

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An example of strawberry plants with Fusarium wilt.

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Cylindrocarpon spp

25

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When chemical controls are limited, management practices can’t be overlooked.

Sabaratnam points to planting in a healthy (disease-free) site or at least rotating crops every three to five years. He also stresses the importance of pathogen-free stock.

“Clean and pathogen-free planting stock. I emphasize this because it is very difficult to screen some of the pathogens at the transplant stage,” he notes.

Sabaratnam also suggests planting resistant or tolerant varieties and considering pre-

planting soil treatments such as soil amendments or fumigation.

Post-harvest field management is also important to reducing pathogen levels.

“This is really important,” he says. “To limit the impact next year.”

Taking care of strawberry fields often comes down to understanding what’s in the soil first. Growers will benefit from assessing their soil and considering what pathogens are in place in order to limit crop harvest impacts. ■

8th Annual Wine Law Conference

By Michael Botner Of the many topics tackled at the eighth annual seminar on Wine & Liquor Law in BC, held in conjunction with the 2017 Vancouver International Wine Festival, two in particular have the potential to alter how liquor and wine is currently sold and regulated. The impacts are not yet known, but they are likely to be far-reaching and be upon us far sooner than government bureaucracies and others would like.

Losing control of where the wine comes from loosens up the market and creates more opportunities.

- Ian A. Blue

US Trade Challenge to BC Wine in Grocery Stores On January 18, in the closing days of the Obama administration, the US filed a trade action with the World Trade Organization alleging that the BC grocery model discriminates against US wine pursuant the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs.

The challenge zeros in on measures governing the sale of wine in grocery stores which allows only BC VQA wines on regular grocery store shelves. So far 18 grocery stores, most of them Save On Foods, have acquired VQA licenses to sell wine. Imported wine may be sold in grocery stores only through the restrictive “store-within-a-store” model.

and Mark Hicken of the Vintage Law Group, recommend taking immediate steps to negotiate a settlement.

Hudec cites potential Canadian defences such as “grandfathering provisions” under NAFTA and the argument that California and BC wines are not ‘like’ products. “With NAFTA up for negotiation and many trade irritants on the table, there is a danger that wine might be caught up in the overall US-Canada trade issues,” he says. “I recommend negotiating some kind of phase-in, like Ontario’s introduction of wine sales in grocery stores in February, 2016, which has been excluded from the current US trade action.”

In the weeks following the US claim, several other countries have joined in, including the EU, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia. Rather than go to a hearing and face the strong possibility that WTO will impose a remedy, on session presenters and lawyers Al Hudec of Farris Vaughan Wills & Murphy LLP

In the Ontario rollout, 35 of the licences would sell only Ontario wines, while the other 35 would be allowed to sell imported

WE LOOK FORWARD TO GROWING WITH YOU BC Tree Fruits Cooperative is looking for dedicated premium Cherry growers that are serious about growing the best quality for the highest market returns. Domestic or export cherries, we look forward to growing with you.

Susan Keetley Grower Account Administrator 250.470.4200 In partnership with Sutherland SA Produce Inc. for export markets

2017-01_OrchardAndVine .indd 1

2017-01-23 8:56 AM

Spring 2017 37

wines as well. After a three-year phasein period, all of the outlets would be allowed to sell both foreign and domestic wines. ”The alternative to a negotiated settlement is that the grocery store model could be fundamentally restructured in a way that is detrimental to the BC wine industry,” says Hudec.

Mark Hicken of Vintage Law Group: “We are in dangerous territory. Given that consumers love wine in grocery, the wine industry has take control of this and have a coordinated response.”

Interprovincial Shipping Restrictions Get ready for a revolution in interprovincial trade of wine and liquor. At present, according to lawyers Ian A. Blue and Arnold B. Schwissberg, “all interprovincial trade barriers are verboten.”

Until the Supreme Court of Canada weighs in on the matter, the Comeau decision in which Judge Leblanc ruled that, S. 121 of the Canadian Constitution Act permits “the free movement of goods among provinces without barriers, tariff or non tariff stands as the law of the land.” If S. 121 is upheld, the repercussions on existing provincial liquor board regimes will be huge.

Within a province, the venerable institutions would still maintain taxing rights through the legislature but would have to adjust their focus to the proper sale, delivery and consumption of liquor.

“Losing control of where the wine comes from loosens up the market and creates more opportunities,” says Blue. “The boards could no longer use their authority simply to line their pockets.“ Provinces are faced with having to compete with lower prices so consumers do not have an incentive to shop in other jurisdictions. It also means that a province cannot put up barriers to Direct to Consumer or DTC sales, a prospect which has strong appeal for producers such as Sandra Oldfield of Tinhorn Creek. “We want better access for people who cannot come to the winery,” she says.

The bottom line: Considering the potential effects on supply-side management, the Comeau decision stands “to alter the commercial fabric of Canada,” says Blue.

“But any decision by the SCC will likely include an adjustment period of one to three years.” ■

38 Spring 2017

2017 BUYER'S GUIDE ■ Accounting

■ Financial

■ Real Estate

■ Aerial Surveying & Mapping

■ Funding Programs

■ Refrigeration

■ Agencies – Marketing & Design

■ Horticultural Services

■ Soil & Soil Testing

■ Animal, Bird and Pest Control

■ Insurance

■ Spreaders

■ Associations

■ Irrigation

■ Storage

■ Bottles

■ Labels & Labeling Equipment

■ Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

■ Concrete Resurfacing

■ Legal

■ Vineyard Equipment

■ Cooperage, Tanks & Containers

■ Management Consultants

■ Vineyard Installations

■ Corks, Capsules & Closures

■ Nursery Supplies

■ Viticulture

■ Crop Protection

■ Orchard Supplies

■ Warehousing & Distribution

■ Employment Agencies

■ Organics

■ Wind Machines

■ Farm Equipment

■ Packaging Containers & Boxes

■ Winery Equipment

■ Farm Management

■ Packinghouse Equipment

■ Winery Services

■ Fencing

■ Pest Control

■ Winery Supplies

■ Fertilizer

■ Pesticides

Spring 2017 39

Accounting

Accounting

Chartered Professional Accountants

Okanagan Office Geoff McIntyre, CPA, CA Regional Leader, Food & Beverage Processing 600,1628 Dickson Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X1 Phone: 250-979-2574 Toll Free: 1-877-766-9735 geoff.mcintyre@mnp.ca MNP.ca MNP is one of the largest national accounting and business consulting firms in Canada. B.C’s dynamic wine industry is rapidly growing and full of opportunity. Based in Kelowna and with offices throughout British Columbia, our beverage industry specialists provide expertise and scalable solutions to enhance all aspects of your beverage business structure so you can effectively manage growth, streamline operations and increase profitability.

Accounting

ENDERBY Box 705, 201-900 Belvedere Street Enderby, BC V0E 1V0 Phone: 250-838-7337 Fax: 250-838-2144

2017 Buyer's Guide

ARMSTRONG Box 405, 2535 Patterson Avenue Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 Phone: 250-546-8665 Fax: 250-546-2419 LUMBY Box 610, 2041 Vernon Street Lumby, BC V0E 2G0 Phone: 250-547-2118 Fax: 250-547-2042 www.farmtax.com TOLL FREE:1-888-818-3276 Expert farm taxation advice: • Purchase and sale of farms • Transfer of farms to children • Preparation of farm tax returns • Government subsidy programs • Use of $1,000,000 Capital Gains Exemptions Approved consultants for Government funding through BC Farm Business Advisory Services Program

40 Spring 2017

YEARS

Agencies

TaylorMade Ideas

Internet Marketing for Small Business

Taylormade Ideas 201-99 Padmore Ave E Penticton, BC V2A 7H7 Phone Penticton: 250-493-0600

Phone: 250-276-4333 jennifer@taylormadeideas.ca www.taylormadeideas.ca

1-2429 Dobbin Rd West Kelowna, BC V4T 21A Phone West Kelowna: 250-768-3400

At Taylormade Ideas, we believe you should concentrate on what you do best: focus on your product or service.

Taylormade Ideas will do what we do best: create exceptional branding, graphic design, traditional and digital marketing (websites, e-newsletters, social media) to help you build brand equity and generate revenue. We have been successfully launching, growing and re-launching small businesses for over 20 years both locally and globally. Call us for a FREE half hour candid chat and how we can help your business grow.

204- 8309 Main St Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0 Phone Osoyoos: 250-495-2688 info@whitekennedy.com www.whitekennedy.com White Kennedy is committed to helping clients plan for success. We are a full-service Okanagan Chartered Professional Accountants offering a full range of professional services.

Aerial Surveying & Mapping

Animal, Bird & Pest Control

Hummingbird Aerial Surveys

12033 Loomer Road Summerland, BC V0H 1Z8 Phone: 250-488-2374 Fax: 250-494-0338 info@farmsolutions.net www.farmsolutions.net

1095 Nechako ct.

Kelowna, BC V1V 2N9 Phone: 250-575-5953 info@hummingbirdaerialsurveys.com www.hummingbirdaerialsurveys.com Hummingbird Aerial Surveys delivers agriculture intelligence by providing aerial imaging, remote sensing & precision agriculture mapping services using highly specialized drone enabled technologies.

FarmSolutions is a supplier of high quality agricultural fabric, including drape-over bird netting, side-netting, hail fabrics, windbreak fabrics and shade cloth. The company also supplies fruit and vegetable processing equipment and crop production and management software.

Animal, Bird & Pest Control

Associations

Bottles

TricorBraun WinePak Princeton Wood Preservers 1821 Crowsnest Hwy Princeton, BC V0X 1W0 Phone: 877-797-7678 beveritt@xplornet.ca www.pwppost.com PWP is an industry leader for producing pressure treated round wood post and rail products of the highest quality. Farm, orchard, vineyard and berry trellising. Kiln dried, pressure treated, round wood posts and rails. Preferred supplier for BC Ministries and Parks Canada.

Guaranteed life expectancy of over 25 years if not damaged or altered before or after installation.

Animal, Bird & Pest Control

British Columbia Grapegrowers’ Association PO Box 42 Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0 Toll free: 877-762-4652 bcga@grapegrowers.bc.ca www.grapegrowers.bc.ca The British Columbia Grapegrowers’ Association is a non-profit organization that supports the continuing development of the British Columbia grape growing industry, stressing quality, profitability and sustainability while expanding the markets for British Columbia grapes and wines.

Bottles

Unit # 500 1650 Brigantine Drive Coquitlam, BC V3K 7B5 Phone: 604-649-5623 Toll free: 877-495-7924 Fax number: 604-529-7977 www.tricorbraunwinepak.com TricorBraun WinePak provides domestic and imported, stock and customized wine bottles. The automatic repack facility enables repacking from bulk to case.

WinePak Direct provides bottles for smaller runs such as reserve wines.

Bottles

Richards Packaging

#27-12491 #2 Rd. Richmond, BC V7E 2G3 Phone: 604-274-1422 Toll Free: 866-233-1422 Cell: 604-506-5043 mark@redden-net.com Largest Supplier of Vineyard Netting in B.C.

Richards Packaging is proud to be a Major Supplier to the Canadian Craft Beer and Cider Industry.

Richards Packaging has been associated with container manufacturing and distribution since 1912.

We offer perhaps the widest range of plastic and glass containers originating from Canada, the United States, Europe. We are a major North American source for metal and plastic closures. A leading distributor of various injection molded containers and packaging systems.

Good Things Come in Richard’s Packaging.

Universal Packaging 1810 Kosmina Road Vernon, BC V1T 8T2 Toll free: 1-866-549-1323 Fax: 1-877-260-8777 sales@thinkuniversal.com www.thinkuniversal.com Universal Packaging has been supplying packaging solutions to beverage companies since 1985.

Over the years, we have invested in innovative technology and our team to become one of the largest screen printers in North America. From start to finish, we are your one-stop shop ask us about screen printing, bottles, cartons, Vinoseal closures and more!

2017 Buyer's Guide

Redden Net & Rope Ltd.

#140 - 9200 Van Horne Way Richmond, BC V6X 1W3 Phone: 604-270-0111 Fax: 604-270-8937 cmckinney@richardspackaging.com www.richardspackaging.com

Spring 2017 41

Concrete Resurfacing

Marvelous Ideas Contracting Ltd. Unit #6 – 2543 Juliann Road West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2M3 BC Interior: 250-258-8728 Lower Mainland: 250-454-6969 Toll Free: 1-866-227-5165 don@marvelousideas.com www.marvelousideas.com

Cooperages, Tanks & Containers

Corks, Capsules & Closures

cellar•tek west

cellar•tek west

1043 Richter St. Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K4 Phone: 250-868-3186 Toll Free: 1-877-460-9463 Fax: 250-868-0186

1043 Richter St. Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K4 Phone: 250-868-3186 Toll Free: 1-877-460-9463 Fax: 250-868-0186

cellar•tek east

cellar•tek east

#530 – 380 Vansickle Road St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0B5 Phone: 905-246-8316 Fax: 905-984-8316

#530 – 380 Vansickle Road St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0B5 Phone: 905-246-8316 Fax: 905-984-8316

info@cellartek.com www.cellartek.com

info@cellartek.com www.cellartek.com

An innovative, specialty trades wall and flooring system applicator (since 1991) engaged primarily in concrete preparation, restoration, resurfacing and protective finishes. We use only hybrid, proven-performance products (urethanes, epoxies, mortars, lithium sealers and joint sealants), technologies and equipment that can enhance chemical, corrosion, thermal and slip resistance. Many of these products are also LEED certified, VOC Compliant, anti-microbial and CFIA approved.

Cellar-Tek is a commercial winery, brewery and cidery supply company based in Canada and serving North America with a full range of quality equipment & supplies. Because we’re such huge fans of great wines, beers and ciders, we strive to be the “go to” support system for commercial producers of these delicious beverages so we can do our part to help them make the best products possible.

Cellar-Tek is a commercial winery, brewery and cidery supply company based in Canada and serving North America with a full range of quality equipment & supplies. Because we’re such huge fans of great wines, beers and ciders, we strive to be the “go to” support system for commercial producers of these delicious beverages so we can do our part to help them make the best products possible.

Cooperages, Tanks & Containers

Corks, Capsules & Closures

Corks, Capsules & Closures

Canada Kegs & Packaging Inc. 620 Glengarry Crescent Fergus, ON N1M 2W8 Phone: 905-802-2337 steve@canadakegs.com canadakegs.com

2017 Buyer's Guide

Canada Kegs:

Amcor Flexibles California 5425 Broadway Street American Canyon CA 94503 Phone: 877-STELVIN (877-783-5846)

• Kegs (stainless steel & 1 way Plastic) for Wine, Beer, Cider, Kombucha and Cold Pressed Coffee - 20L, 30L, 50L and 58.6L

Quebec 2301 Route 112 St-Cesaire, Quebec, J0L 1T0 Phone: 450-469-0777

• PakTech Can Carriers for 355ml, 473ml and 500ml Cans In 4, 6, 8 and 12 packs

info.capsules@amcor.com www.amcor.com/stelvin

42 Spring 2017

Amcor is a global leader in the manufacture and marketing of Stelvin® aluminum closures and capsules for the wine, sparkling wine & spirits industry. Stelvin®, the original wine screwcap developed more than 50 years ago, is the market reference. The Stelvin® closure uses specific liners that respect the aging process and deliver uncompromised flavors and aromas.

Universal Packaging 1810 Kosmina Road Vernon, BC V1T 8T2 Toll free: 1-866-549-1323 Fax: 1-877-260-8777 sales@thinkuniversal.com www.thinkuniversal.com Universal Packaging has been supplying packaging solutions to beverage companies since 1985.

Over the years, we have invested in innovative technology and our team to become one of the largest screen printers in North America. From start to finish, we are your one-stop shop ask us about screen printing, bottles, cartons, Vinoseal closures and more!

Crop Protection

Employment Agencies

Farm Equipment

Consulate General of Barbados/Barbados Liaison Service

Gerardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equipment

Engage Agro Corporation 1030 Gordon St. Guelph, ON N1G 4X5 Phone: 519-826-7878 Toll free: 866-613-3336 Fax: 519-826-7675 info@engageagro.com www.engageagro.com Engage Agro Corporation develops, registers and markets protection, nutritional and management products for orchard, vineyard and agricultural crops across Canada. Engage Agro works closely with end users and suppliers to evaluate market needs, conduct research, and provide cost effective products that offer superior performance.

Crop Protection

205-110 Sheppard Avenue East North York Ontario M2N 6Y8 Office: 1-416-214-9825 James Inniss: 1-416-464-4439 (c) Shirley Wall-Mayers:1-416-464-2997 (c) Fax: 1-416-214-9826 barbados-liaison@foreign.gov.bb

5592 Hwy 97 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 250-498-2524 Fax: 250-498-3288 www.gerardsequipment.com

50 Years and looking to the future.

The Barbados/Canada migrant work connection has been in existence for over 49 years with experience in the recruitment, selection and placement of Temporary Foreign Workers (CSAWP and TFW) in Canada.

Workers from Barbados speak English and only need a Work Permit.

Proudly serving the Okanagan since 1973. We provide high quality farm equipment; vineyard and trellising supplies; and outdoor yard and garden products. We also provide repair service and replacement parts to most makes and models. In addition to our mainlines of KUBOTA Tractors and STIHL garden implements we carry a large variety of tractor attachments; short line implements; pruning tools; bird scaring, trellising, and harvesting supplies.

Farm Equipment

Farm Equipment

Avenue Machinery Corp.

1521 Sumas Way Abbotsford, BC

Maria Dombrowsky Canada Horticulture Specialist Phone: 226.820.6223 maria.dombrowsky@ca.nufarm.com 1-800-868-5444 Nufarm.ca Growing any crops requires careful planning. Growing high value, labour intensive horticultural crops in Canada requires extra time and attention to maximize growth, yield and quality while minimizing the challenges from insects, diseases and weeds. Put your resources into growing the best quality crop, and depend on our crop protection solutions to do the rest.

Abbotsford Phone: 604-864-2665 Fax: 604-864-9568 Toll Free: 1-888-283-3276 Kelowna Phone: 250-769-8700 Fax: 250-769-8755 Vernon Phone: 250-545-3355 Fax: 250-545-4255 Rock Creek Phone: 250-446-2311 Toll Free: 1-888-283-3276 reception@avenuemachinery.ca www.avenuemachinery.ca Agricultural and light construction supply and service equipment.

Featuring Kubota, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Landpride, Florida, Rankin, Maschio.

Matsqui Ag Repair Ltd. 34856 Harris Rd. Abbotsford, BC V3G 1R7 Phone: 604-826-3281 Fax: 604-826-0705 dave.matsquiagrepair@shaw.ca www.matsquiagrepair.com Authorized Sales, Service and Parts for Deutz-Fahr, McCormick, Kioti, Kuhn and McHale equipment. New and used equipment sales. Servicing the Okanagan and Fraser Valley since 1989.

2017 Buyer's Guide

Nufarm Agriculture Inc.

Spring 2017 43

Farm Equipment

Farm Management

GROSPURT™ Canada

Provide Agro Corporation 4825 Union Rd. Beamsville, ON L0R 1B4 Phone: 905-563-8261 Toll free: 1-800-263-1287 info@provideag.ca www.provideag.ca Provide Agro is an N.M. Bartlett Inc. company that was formed to focus our horticulture equipment and technological innovation lines. Lines offered to Western growers include; FA.MA. Hedgers and HSS sprayers, Orsi Platforms, Darwin blossom thinners, Bartlett custom packhouse equipment.

Farm Equipment

South Okanagan Equipment

2017 Buyer's Guide

5679 Sawmill Rd Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 250-498-5145 Fax: 250-498-5135 sokequip@hotmail.com Sales and service of new and quality used farm equipment. Specializing in Edwards Equipment, Turbo-Mist, Rankin/Northstar, Binger/ERO, Braun, TG Schmeiser, Kult Fingerweeder, S&A spreaders, Rabaud, Aerway, Yanmar crawlers and Nairn grape harvesters.

44 Spring 2017

Fertilizer

Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA) Inc. CAFA is the nationally recognized organization for professional farm advisors. CAFA advisors maintain high standards while continually increasing farm advisory skills and knowledge intended to provide measurable value to their farm clients. www.cafanet.com info@cafanet.com Elizabeth Robertson Box 270 Seven Sisters Falls, Manitoba R0E 1Y0 Phone: 1-204-348-3578 Toll free: 1-877-474-2871

Fencing

74031 Hillcrest Park PO 3882 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5V 5C8 Toll free: 1-844-616-1444 info@grospurt.com www.grospurt.com Get competitive for the first time.

Canadian-made GROSPURT™ growth enhancers are now registered for blueberries, cranberries, apples, grapes and more. GROSPURT™ GS-4 products leverage Gibberellic Acid (GA3), a potent organic plant growth enhancer used successfully worldwide for over 40 years. For world-class yields and productivity on Canadian orchard and vine farms, visit grospurt.com

Fertilizer

Fraser Valley Steel & Wire Ltd. 3174 Mt. Lehman Road Abbotsford, BC V4X 2M9 Phone: 604-856-3391 Toll Free: 1-877-856-3391 Fax: 604-856-0603 www.fraservalleysteelandwire.com Proud supplier of quality steel and wire products to the orchard and vineyard industry for over 40 years.

Thank You For Your Continued Support. For A Dealer Near You Call 1-877-856-3391

Pacific Calcium, Inc. 32117 Highway 97 Tonasket, WA 98855 Phone: 1-509-486-1201 Toll free: 1-877-571-3555 Fax: 1-509-486-1701 info@naturesintent.com www.naturesintent.com Pacific Calcium, Inc., makers of Nature’s Intent Calpril® and Nature’s Intent Dolopril®, also offer a full line of soil amendments and fertilizers for organic and conventional use. We have dealers across British Columbia and Washington, so look for Nature’s Intent and call or check our website for a distributor nearest you.

Fertilizer

Financial

Funding Programs

RBC ROYAL BANK RBC has 3 agricultural specialists in the Okanagan

Superior Peat Inc. 1700 Carmi Avenue Penticton, BC V2A 8V5 Phone: 250-493-5410 info@superiorpeat.com www.superiorpeat.com OMRI Listed supplier of Organic soil amendments used when planting Orchards, Vineyards and Berry Farms.

We also carry a large selection of bark mulches for ground cover. Visit us online at www.superiorpeat.com for more information.

Financial

Tyler Chick South Okanagan/Similkameen 250-490-4404 tyler.chick@rbc.com Alan Carter Kelowna/Central Okanagan 250-868-4133 alan.carter@rbc.com Kathy Brewster Vernon/North Okanagan 250-558-4336 kathy.brewster@rbc.com www.rbcroyalbank.com/agriculture

Financial

Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC PO Box 8248 Victoria, BC V8W 3R9 Phone: 250-356-1662 Fax: 250-953-5162 info@iafbc.ca www.iafbc.ca IAF is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization. Since 1996, we have been making strategic investments in support of innovative projects that benefit BC’s agriculture and agri-food industry. Funding is available through programs like the BC Government’s Buy Local Program, the BC Agrifood & Seafood Export Program and the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program under the Growing Forward 2 initiative. We’re here to help you and your sector become more competitive and sustainable, talk to us about your project idea today!

Horticultural Supplies

Your business is unique Your financing should be too

fccfinancing.ca | 1-855-230-6821

TD Canada Trust – Agriculture Services 1633 Ellis Street, Unit 100 Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A8 Cell Phone: 250-681-4656 Fax: 250-712-5470 Jeremy.Siddall@td.com www.tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture/ We are dedicated to helping you achieve your business goals and create a flexible and customized banking solution that is right for your farming operation.

Van Noort Bulb Co 22264 Hwy. #10 Langley, BC V2Y 2K6 Phone: 604-888-8555 Fax: 604-888-7640 3930 Ninth St. St Catharines, ON L2R 6P9 Phone: 905-641-2152 Fax: 905-684-1844 Toll Free: 888-826-6667 mail@vannoortbulb.com vannoortbulb.com & florissa.com Van Noort Bulb Co. has been a top Canadian supplier for 89 years. We specialize in complete retail, grower and landscape programs of fall and spring planted bulbs, perennials, small fruit, and shrubs. We are the exclusive supplier of Weeks and David Austin Roses. We ship from coast to coast.

2017 Buyer's Guide

Grow with a lender who understands Canadian food.

Spring 2017 45

Insurance

Robert Fiume Toll free: 1-800-670-1877 Ext 3815 rfiume@capri.ca www.capri.ca Robert Fiume, is a viticulturist and insurance broker specializing in wineries and the agricultural industry.

He recently opened up his own family winery in the Okanagan Valley, Ciao Bella.

Since 1975 Capri Insurance has grown substantially to become one of the largest independently owned brokerages in Western Canada. We serve clients across Canada from 13 locations in BC and 1 in Ontario.

2017 Buyer's Guide

• Kelowna • Lake Country • West Kelowna • Vernon • Kamloops • Penticton • Prince George • Burnaby

Irrigation

19900 84th Avenue Langley, BC V2Y 3C2 Phone: 604.455.3500 Toll free: 1.800.667.2445 Fax: 604.455.3502 info.waterproducts@corix.com www.corix.com With over 36 branches across Canada, Corix Water Products provides quality irrigation, drainage, and organic solutions to the agricultural industry.

We maintain one of the largest singlesource inventories in the industry, including: • Water management • Pump systems • Compost tea soil amendment • Premium worm castings • Drip / micro irrigation • Valves and valve boxes • Rain water harvesting • Landscape lighting • Pond aeration

Insurance

Irrigation

The Co-operators Solve Insurance

Nelson Irrigation Corporation

120-1640 Leckie Road Kelowna, BC V1X 7C6 Phone: 250-861-3777 Toll free: 1-866-582-3777 Fax number: 250-861-3715 solve_ins_kelowna@cooperators.ca www.cooperators.ca/en/solve-insurance

848 Airport Road Walla Walla, WA 99362 USA Phone: +1 509.525.7660 Toll free: +1 800.456.3141 Fax: +1 509.525.7907 info@nelsonirrigation.com www.nelsonirrigation.com

We offer all lines of insurance and our specialists can customize your insurance portfolio to meet your specific needs.

We have three convenient locations to help serve you in the Okanagan Valley: two in Kelowna and one in the West Kelowna. We look forward to seeing you in our offices, talking to you on the phone or corresponding through email. If you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss your personal insurance needs or if you would like a quote, please feel free to contact us.

46 Spring 2017

Nelson Irrigation Corporation plans, designs, develops, manufactures and sells proprietary products for the irrigation equipment market.

It is focused on products and services that improve the state-of-the-art of irrigation by saving water, saving energy and doing a better job of irrigating.

Irrigation

Southern Irrigation 44160 Yale Road West Chilliwack, BC V2R 3Z9 Phone: 604-792-0041 Toll free: 1-800-663-2615 Fax: 604-792-9515 sales@southernirrigation.com www.southernirrigation.com Southern Irrigation is a family owned and operated business that has been supplying quality irrigation products and solutions for the last 30 years.

We are committed to provide outstanding customer service while adhering to the highest ethical conduct.

Our head office is located in Chilliwack BC, and we have a second location in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Irrigation

Head office - Langley, BC Branch offices in William’s Lake, BC and Lynden, WA Call Toll Free 1-888-675-7999 www.watertecna.com Watertec is a leading supplier and designer of Agricultural Irrigation Systems . We are also one of Western Canada’s Largest Importer of Sprayers, Nozzles & Spraying Accessories.

Watertec’s Staff is dedicated to solving all the customers Irrigation and spraying needs.

Labels & Labeling Equipment

Universal Packaging 1810 Kosmina Road Vernon, BC V1T 8T2 Toll free: 1-866-549-1323 Fax: 1-877-260-8777 sales@thinkuniversal.com www.thinkuniversal.com Universal Packaging has been supplying packaging solutions to beverage companies since 1985.

Over the years, we have invested in innovative technology and our team to become one of the largest screen printers in North America. From start to finish, we are your one-stop shop ask us about screen printing, bottles, cartons, Vinoseal closures and more!

Legal

Management Consultants

Nursery Supplies

Pascal Madevon Signature Ltd.

Inland Desert Nursery

701 Nelson Avenue, Penticton, BC V2A 2L6 Phone: 1-250-488-8497 p.madevon@shaw.ca www.pascalmadevon.ca Pascal Madevon Signature is a vineyard and winery consultancy company based in the Okanagan Valley. Classically trained expert viticulturist and oenologist Pascal Madevon offers professional advice on vineyard management, wine production, and marketing of white, rosé, red and late harvest wines to Canadian wineries of all sizes.

Nursery Supplies

32508 W. Kelly Rd Benton City, WA USA 99320 Phone: 509-588-6615 Fax: 509-588-4526 sales@idnursery.com www.idnursery.com Family owned and operated, Inland Desert Nursery supplies the cleanest and healthiest grapevines available to growers across North America.

We also provide an extraordinarily high level of knowledgeable service to customers. Our success depends on helping growers develop the sustainable, high-quality vineyards upon which their success depends.

Nursery Supplies

Avery Law Office

Avery Law Office has offices in Summerland and Princeton. We work with orchard and farm owners throughout BC. AREAS OF PRACTICE • Contracts • Business • Trademarks • Real estate

Calissi Farms Inc 3810 East Kelowna Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4H2 Phone: 250 317 2164 james_calissi@telus.net Calissifarms.com Calissi Farms is a provider of premium virus certified rootstocks, finished trees and grape vines for the commercial farmer. We offer a complete line of rootstocks, custom grown fruit trees and wine grape vines.

• Wills & Estate Planning

Knights Grapevine Nursery Eckhard Kaesekamp Phone: 707-350-1148 23308 Gifford Rd, Knights Landing California 95645 Knights Grapevine Nursery is a nursery focused on guarding against viruses and diseases that threaten our industry. With Eckhard and Benjamin Kaesekamp’s reputation for high quality vines, strong commitment to customer service and years of experience, as well as the isolated Northern California location, Knights Grapevine Nursery is your best choice for the strongest, cleanest plants!

2017 Buyer's Guide

107, 13615 Victoria Rd. North, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 Phone: 778-516-2675 Toll Free: 1-877-516-2675 Fax: 778-516-2676 info@AveryLawOffice.ca averylawoffice.ca

Spring 2017 47

Nursery Supplies

Orchard Supplies

Gerard’s Equipment Mori Vines Inc. R.R.#3, 1912 Concession 4, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Phone: 905-468-0822 Fax: 905-468-0344 morivines@sympatico.ca www.morivines.com We are a Canadian nursery producing quality certified grape vines for domestic and export markets. Choose from a wide selection of plant clones, ownrooted or grafted, dormant or green. Mori Vines is your best source for quality grape vines. We look forward to assisting you.

Nursery Supplies

Wonderful Nurseries

2017 Buyer's Guide

27920 McCombs Ave. Wasco, CA 93280 Phone: 661-758-4777 Fax: 661-758-4999 dustin.hooper@wonderful.com wonderfulnurseries.com Wonderful Nurseries is one of North America’s largest producers of dormant field-grown benchgrafts.

They also produce greenhouse-grown benchgrafts, rootstock rootings, own-rooted vines, and cuttings, and currently offer a wide selection of popular varieties, new table grape releases, and other table and raisin grape varieties, and pistachios.

48 Spring 2017

5592 Hwy 97 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 250-498-2524 Fax: 250-498-3288 www.gerardsequipment.com Proudly serving the Okanagan since 1973. We provide high quality farm equipment; vineyard and trellising supplies; and outdoor yard and garden products. We also provide repair service and replacement parts to most makes and models. In addition to our mainlines of KUBOTA Tractors and STIHL garden implements we carry a large variety of tractor attachments; short line implements; pruning tools; bird scaring, trellising, and harvesting supplies.

Orchard Supplies

Organics

Pacific Calcium, Inc. 32117 Highway 97 Tonasket, WA 98855 Phone: 1-509-486-1201 Toll free: 1-877-571-3555 Fax: 1-509-486-1701 info@naturesintent.com www.naturesintent.com Pacific Calcium, Inc., makers of Nature’s Intent Calpril® and Nature’s Intent Dolopril®, also offer a full line of soil amendments and fertilizers for organic and conventional use. We have dealers across British Columbia and Washington, so look for Nature’s Intent and call or check our website for a distributor nearest you.

Packaging, Containers & Boxes

Princeton Wood Preservers

Western Square Industries

1821 Crowsnest Hwy Princeton, BC V0X 1W0 Phone: 877-797-7678 beveritt@xplornet.ca www.pwppost.com

1621 N. Broadway Ave Stockton, Ca 95205 Phone: 1-800-367-8383 info@westernsquare.com www.westernsquare.com

PWP is an industry leader for producing pressure treated round wood post and rail products of the highest quality. Farm, orchard, vineyard and berry trellising. Kiln dried, pressure treated, round wood posts and rails. Preferred supplier for BC Ministries and Parks Canada.

Guaranteed life expectancy of over 25 years if not damaged or altered before or after installation.

We’ve been shaping and powder coating steel since 1978, adding strength, simplicity and security to your workplace.

• Wine Barrel Racks • Barrel Master • Barrel Washing System • Cave Racks • Rolling Ladders • Red Fermenter • Harvest Bins • Vineyard Trailers

Packaging, Containers & Boxes

Pest Control

Pesticides

Flex-Alert

1810 Kosmina Road Vernon, BC V1T 8T2 Toll free: 1-866-549-1323 Fax: 1-877-260-8777 sales@thinkuniversal.com www.thinkuniversal.com Universal Packaging has been supplying packaging solutions to beverage companies since 1985.

Over the years, we have invested in innovative technology and our team to become one of the largest screen printers in North America. From start to finish, we are your one-stop shop ask us about screen printing, bottles, cartons, Vinoseal closures and more!

Packinghouse Equipment

Fruittek, LLC: Ste 103, 603 Cherry St, Sumas, WA 98295 Fruittek Canada: 33 Mckenzie Rd., Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 7N4 U.S. Phone: 360-201-7162 CAN Phone: 604-855-8062 Toll free: 877-826-3427 Fax: 604-852-5036 info@fruittek.com www.fruittek.com Affordable electronic sorter/sizers for small to medium sized tree fruit packers emphasizing sorting precision, and gentle handling.

• Multiscan cherry pre-sorters, sizer/ sorters and complete lines.

The company located in BC, provides low cost microFlex stations with associated WEB based software to track appearance of various pathogens effecting crops such as cherries, grapes, apples, corn, coffee and others. Our solutions allow to reduce the spraying and post-harvest losses by monitoring and control the following parameters: Air Temperature,Acceleration / Shock, Air Humidity, Luminosity, Water monitoring and control and others. As 25% of corps are infected by mycotoxins our predictive software with Smart Phones output is a valuable tool for farmers.

Pesticides

N.M. Bartlett Inc. 4509 Bartlett Rd. Beamsville, ON L0R1B1 Phone: 905-563-8261 Toll free: 1-800-263-1287 info@bartlett.ca www.bartlett.ca Bartlett’s are a crop protection distributor in Canada specializing in specialty horticulture products.

Family owned and operated now in its fourth generation with over 100 years of experience in the Canadian hort segment.

• Van Wamel Perfect apple, stone fruit & round/oblong vegetable sizer/ sorters and complete lines.

• Sorting modules Include colour, dimension, weight and external defects (& softness on cherries).

726 Clement Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 7E1 Phone: 250.861.3955 Toll Free: 1.888.861.3955 Fax: 250.861.3165 Storage@Secure-Rite.com www.Secure-Rite.com Secure-Rite Mobile Storage provides a range of secure, weatherproof mobile storage units. Our storage, office, accommodation, pesticide or refrigerated containers and accessories are available for purchase, lease or rental at competitive prices, with exceptional service! Our customized Pesticide Storage Units are equipped with extra ventilation, shelving, spill containment options and more!

Real Estate

Geen+Byrne Real Estate Team RE/MAX Kelowna 100 – 1553 Harvey Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G1 Jerry Geen: 250-870-3888 Jerry@GeenByrne.com Elya Byrne: 250-317-1980 Elya@GeenByrne.com www.OkanaganFarms.com Selling property requires knowledge of land use, values, current market conditions, financing and that intangible ability of a good REALTOR® to “connect” with people. With Jerry + Elya’s professional demeanour, sharp analytical skills, industry contacts and extensive experience with farms & acreages, this is the REALTOR® team you need working on your behalf!

Call Jerry + Elya today!

• UL/CSA Compliant.

• Local service and support.

Secure-Rite Mobile Storage

2017 Buyer's Guide

Universal Packaging

Jacek Chrowski Phone: 604-562-9512 info@flex-alert.com www.flex-alert.com

Spring 2017 49

Refrigeration

KOOLJET Refrigeration Inc. 1444 Bell Mill Side Road, Tillsonburg, ON. N4G 4G9 Phone: 519-688-6803 Toll Free:1-866-748-7786 Fax: 519-688-5962 info@kooljet.com www.kooljet.com KOOLJET, a Canadian company, designs and builds specialized refrigeration systems for cooling fruits, vegetables, and wine storage rooms.The specialized one-piece designs do not require refrigeration technicians to do the installation.

KOOLJET Refrigeration systems are charged with refrigerant and fully tested before shipment. Products include Hydro-Coolers, Wine Tank Chillers, and Room Coolers.

Refrigeration

Soil & Soil Testing

19900 84th Avenue Langley, BC V2Y 3C2 Phone: 604.455.3500 Toll free: 1.800.667.2445 Fax: 604.455.3502 info.waterproducts@corix.com www.corix.com With over 36 branches across Canada, Corix Water Products provides quality irrigation, drainage, and organic solutions to the agricultural industry.

We maintain one of the largest singlesource inventories in the industry, including: • Water management • Pump systems • Compost tea soil amendment • Premium worm castings • Drip / micro irrigation • Valves and valve boxes • Rain water harvesting • Landscape lighting • Pond aeration

Soil & Soil Testing

Soil & Soil Testing

Superior Peat Inc. 1700 Carmi Avenue Penticton, BC V2A 8V5 Phone: 250-493-5410 info@superiorpeat.com www.superiorpeat.com OMRI Listed supplier of Organic soil amendments used when planting Orchards, Vineyards and Berry Farms.

We also carry a large selection of bark mulches for ground cover. Visit us online at www.superiorpeat.com for more information.

Spreaders

Frozen, Refrigerated and Dry Storage Facilities

Rancho Cooling & Warehouse Ltd.

2017 Buyer's Guide

3155 Pleasant Valley Rd. Armstrong, BC V0E 1B2 Phone: 250-938-5062 cooling@ranchovignola.com www.ranchocooling.com Rancho Cooling & Warehouse Ltd. is a frozen, refrigerated and dry storage warehouse facility located in Armstrong, BC. We have cooling/ freezing capability to -29C/-20F. We are fully racked and have six convenient loading/unloading docks and ample space for ease of truck maneuvering. Please contact us to discuss any potential cold or dry storage warehousing needs that you may have.

50 Spring 2017

Hanna Instruments Canada Inc. 3156 Industriel Laval, QC H7L 4P7 Phone: 450-629-1444 Toll free: 800-842-6629 Fax number: 450-629-3335 sales@hannacan.com www.hannacan.com We supply instrumentation for all the growers and winemakers’ needs whether pocket type, portable or bench type. We offer meters for the analysis of pH, conductivity, sulfur dioxide, total titratable acidity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, residual sugar and many other parameters.

Whatcom Manufacturing Inc. 405 Birch Bay Lynden Rd. Lynden, WA USA 98264 Phone: 360-354-3094 Fax: 360-354-5434 info@whatcommfg.com www.whatcommfg.com Custom Built Row Mulch Spreaders for Vineyards and Orchards.

Extra narrow models, QuickChange discharges, available in multiple sizes with numerous options and features built to accommodate all applications.

For use with compost, sawdust, shavings,manure or wood chips.

Storage

Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

Frozen, Refrigerated and Dry Storage Facilities

3155 Pleasant Valley Rd. Armstrong, BC V0E 1B2 Phone: 250-938-5062 cooling@ranchovignola.com www.ranchocooling.com Rancho Cooling & Warehouse Ltd. is a frozen, refrigerated and dry storage warehouse facility located in Armstrong, BC. We have cooling/ freezing capability to -29C/-20F. We are fully racked and have six convenient loading/unloading docks and ample space for ease of truck maneuvering. Please contact us to discuss any potential cold or dry storage warehousing needs that you may have.

Storage

Avenue Machinery Corp.

1521 Sumas Way Abbotsford, BC Abbotsford Phone: 604-864-2665 Fax: 604-864-9568 Toll Free: 1-888-283-3276 Kelowna Phone: 250-769-8700 Fax: 250-769-8755 Vernon Phone: 250-545-3355 Fax: 250-545-4255 Rock Creek Phone: 250-446-2311 Toll Free: 1-888-283-3276 reception@avenuemachinery.ca www.avenuemachinery.ca Agricultural and light construction supply and service equipment.

Featuring Kubota, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Landpride, Florida, Rankin, Maschio.

Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

Secure-Rite Mobile Storage provides a range of secure, weatherproof mobile storage units. Our storage, office, accommodation, pesticide or refrigerated containers and accessories are available for purchase, lease or rental at competitive prices, with exceptional service! Our customized Pesticide Storage Units are equipped with extra ventilation, shelving, spill containment options and more!

34856 Harris Rd. Abbotsford, BC V3G 1R7 Phone: 604-826-3281 Fax: 604-826-0705 dave.matsquiagrepair@shaw.ca www.matsquiagrepair.com Authorized Sales, Service and Parts for Deutz-Fahr, McCormick, Kioti, Kuhn and McHale equipment. New and used equipment sales. Servicing the Okanagan and Fraser Valley since 1989.

Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

Noble Tractor And Equipment Ltd.

Secure-Rite Mobile Storage 726 Clement Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 7E1 Phone: 250.861.3955 Toll Free: 1.888.861.3955 Fax: 250.861.3165 Storage@Secure-Rite.com www.Secure-Rite.com

Matsqui Ag Repair Ltd.

Gerardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equipment 5592 Hwy 97 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 250-498-2524 Fax: 250-498-3288 www.gerardsequipment.com Proudly serving the Okanagan since 1973. We provide high quality farm equipment; vineyard and trellising supplies; and outdoor yard and garden products. We also provide repair service and replacement parts to most makes and models. In addition to our mainlines of KUBOTA Tractors and STIHL garden implements we carry a large variety of tractor attachments; short line implements; pruning tools; bird scaring, trellising, and harvesting supplies.

4193 Noble Road Armstrong, BC V0E 1B4 Phone: 250-546-3141 Toll Free: 1-800-661-3141 nobletractor@telus.net www.nobletractor.com Your dealer for Mahindra Tractors, Turbomist Sprayers, Landini Orchard & Vineyard Tractors, and Case IH Tractors & Farm Equipment. We can help with equipment solutions, parts, & service for your business.

2017 Buyer's Guide

Rancho Cooling & Warehouse Ltd.

Spring 2017 51

Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

Slimline Manufacturing Ltd. 559 Okanagan Avenue East Penticton, BC V2A 3K4 Phone: 250-493-6145 Toll Free: 1-800-495-6145 Fax: 250-492-7756 www.turbomist.com

Vineyard Equipment

Vineyard Installations

Gerard’s Equipment 5592 Hwy 97 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 250-498-2524 Fax: 250-498-3288 www.gerardsequipment.com

Manufacturer of Turbo-Mist air blast sprayers.

Turbo-Mist are market leaders of technology in airblast sprayers using proven air delivery systems designed for professional agricultural use in orchards and vineyards. Please visit our new website for all products and descriptions.

Proudly serving the Okanagan since 1973. We provide high quality farm equipment; vineyard and trellising supplies; and outdoor yard and garden products. We also provide repair service and replacement parts to most makes and models. In addition to our mainlines of KUBOTA Tractors and STIHL garden implements we carry a large variety of tractor attachments; short line implements; pruning tools; bird scaring, trellising, and harvesting supplies.

Vineyard Equipment

Vineyard Equipment

Sika S.r.l. via della Pace 7-9, 31030 Dosson di Casier (Treviso), Italy Phone: +39-0422-381211 Fax:+39-0422-381462 matteosecco@sikaprofili.it www.sikaprofili.com SIKA: a reliable partner for winegrowers.

Since 1995 SIKA has been manufacturing corrosion-resistant steel posts for vineyards (intermediate-posts and end-posts) obtained through the cold roll-forming of galvanized steel, “corten” (weathering steel) steel or zincmagnesium steel.

Not only steel posts but also all related accessories: hooks and plates.

Viticulture

ATAGO U.S.A., Inc.

2017 Buyer's Guide

11811 NE First Street, Ste 101 Bellevue, WA, USA 98005 Phone: 1-425-637-2107 Toll free: 1-877-282-4687 (877-ATAGOUS) Fax: 1-425-637-2110 customerservice@atago-usa.com www.atago.net/USA/ ATAGO, the industry leaders in optical equipment, continues to innovate and improve to benefit the whole scientific community. Our refractometers and acidity meters can be found in over 150 countries in labs, out in the field, and everywhere in-between.

52 Spring 2017

Sika S.r.l.

Sika S.r.l.

via della Pace 7-9, 31030 Dosson di Casier (Treviso), Italy Phone: +39-0422-381211 Fax:+39-0422-381462 matteosecco@sikaprofili.it www.sikaprofili.com

via della Pace 7-9, 31030 Dosson di Casier (Treviso), Italy Phone: +39-0422-381211 Fax:+39-0422-381462 matteosecco@sikaprofili.it www.sikaprofili.com

SIKA: a reliable partner for winegrowers.

SIKA: a reliable partner for winegrowers.

Since 1995 SIKA has been manufacturing corrosion-resistant steel posts for vineyards (intermediate-posts and end-posts) obtained through the cold roll-forming of galvanized steel, “corten” (weathering steel) steel or zincmagnesium steel.

Since 1995 SIKA has been manufacturing corrosion-resistant steel posts for vineyards (intermediate-posts and end-posts) obtained through the cold roll-forming of galvanized steel, “corten” (weathering steel) steel or zincmagnesium steel.

Not only steel posts but also all related accessories: hooks and plates.

Not only steel posts but also all related accessories: hooks and plates.

Viticulture

Wind Machines

A.O. WILSON LTD.

Providing Canadian Grapevine Solutions

ONTARIO Wes Wiens/Tina Tourigny Phone: 905-984-4324 sales@vinetech.ca BRITISH COLUMBIA Nathan Phillips Phone: 250-809-6040 bcsales@vinetech.ca QUEBEC Alexandre Jacquel Phone: 905-984-4324 qcsales@vinetech.ca NOVA SCOTIA Ian Kaye Phone: 902-740-2493 nssales@vinetech.ca

Consulting, Sales & Installation Sales Rep - Robert Webster 3650 Hwy 97 South Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V1 Phone: 250-495-7245 wmetfab@telus.net www.orchard-rite.com Authorised Dealer for Industry leader in quality, safety and reliability for nearly 40 yrs.

Featuring AutoStart® and 24/7 emergency service available. Proven, cost effective frost protection custom tailored to your operation.

Producers of Canadian grafted and own rooted Grapevines. Importers of Grapevines from Europe and the United States for sale across Canada.

We also offer custom grafting, potted grapevines, trellising material and planting.

Warehousing & Distribution

Winery Equipment

Winery Equipment

9597 17TH Sideroad Erin, ON N0B 1T0 www.aowilson.ca Eastern Canada Phone:1-855-857-1511 Fax:1-519-833-2502 customerservice@aowilson.ca Western Canada Phone/Fax:1-250-764-2645 Mobile:1-250-868-7650 hsoliver@shaw.ca Premium supplier to the beverage industry for over 70 years. Technical sales and advise for all your processing and packaging needs.

Heritage, knowledge and passion go hand in hand when dealing with our company. Check out our website for all our products and services. Send a request to receive our newsletter to customerservice@aowilson.ca

Winery Equipment

Commercial Logistics Inc.

Our 93,000 square foot Kelowna facility offers a state-of-the-Art temperature controlled environment for maximum safety & security for your wine products. We now offer complete scheduled delivery services throughout the Okanagan Valley and beyond. Competitive pricing, industry and product knowledge and a new level of technology support our customers to handle of their logistics needs.

Anton Paar Canada Inc. 4920 Place Olivia Montreal, Quebec H4R 2Z8 CANADA Phone: 514 788 4862 Fax: 514 788 4894 info.ca@anton-paar.com www.anton-paar.com Precisely determine and monitor the alcohol content and numerous other quality parameters in wine and sparkling wine: Anton Paar specializes in high-precision laboratory and process wine analysis, with over 30 years of experience and many longterm partnerships with the biggest names in this industry. Find the measuring instrument that meets your particular needs.

6908 Palm Avenue Burnaby, BC V5J 4M3 Phone: 604-473-9463 Toll Free: 1-866-55GRAPE Fax: 604-433-2810 info@bosagrape.com www.bosagrape.com Ingredients, supplies, labware and equipment for the winemaker, brewer and professional distiller. For convenience, use our online catalog and have us ship your order. For a great experience come in person and see our vast showroom/warehouse and pick up your items immediately.

We serve fruit processors, vinegar makers, amateurs/hobbyist’s and professionals alike. Our product selection can’t be beat.

2017 Buyer's Guide

333 Penno Road Kelowna, BC V1X 7W5 Phone: 250-491-9316 Fax: 250-491-9317 cli_kelowna@containerworld.com www.commercial-logistics.com

Spring 2017 53

Winery Equipment

cellar•tek west 1043 Richter St. Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K4 Phone: 250-868-3186 Toll Free: 1-877-460-9463 Fax: 250-868-0186

cellar•tek east

Winery Equipment

The Professional’s Choice For Advanced Winemaking Solutions

Toll Free: 1-888-656-5553 www.winesecrets.com Winemaking Wonders:

#530 – 380 Vansickle Road St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0B5 Phone: 905-246-8316 Fax: 905-984-8316

✓ Precision Alcohol Adjustment

info@cellartek.com www.cellartek.com

✓ Color and Flavor Optimization

Cellar-Tek is a commercial winery, brewery and cidery supply company based in Canada and serving North America with a full range of quality equipment & supplies. Because we’re such huge fans of great wines, beers and ciders, we strive to be the “go to” support system for commercial producers of these delicious beverages so we can do our part to help them make the best products possible.

Winery Equipment

✓ Proven VA and EA Removal ✓ Targeted Taint Removal ✓ Reliable Cross Flow Filtration ✓ Targeted Filtration Test Track ✓ Membrane & Filter Sales & Service ✓ Wine and Water Filtration Systems ✓ Specialty Cider Production ✓ GE Water Product Distributor Let Us Serve You Today!

Winery Services

Prospero Equipment

2017 Buyer's Guide

CANADA - BRITISH COLUMBIA Authorized Agent Stefan Buhl Phone: 250-317-4378 bc@prosperocorp.biz Prospero Equipment is a full equipment supplier of wine, beer, and cider equipment in the United States and Canada. With parts offices located on both east and west coast we have the technical support and parts to provide quick onsite support and phone support.

54 Spring 2017

6908 Palm Avenue Burnaby, BC V5J 4M3 Phone: 604-473-9463 Toll Free: 1-866-55GRAPE Fax: 604-433-2810 info@bosagrape.com www.bosagrape.com Ingredients, supplies, labware and equipment for the winemaker, brewer and professional distiller. For convenience, use our online catalog and have us ship your order. For a great experience come in person and see our vast showroom/warehouse and pick up your items immediately.

We serve fruit processors, vinegar makers, amateurs/hobbyist’s and professionals alike. Our product selection can’t be beat.

Winery Supplies

cellar•tek west

www.prosperoequipment.com CANADA - MONTREAL 438 Isabey Suite 270 Montreal, Quebec H4T 1V3 Phone: 514-667-0557 Fax: 514-336-7117 canada@prosperocorp.biz

Winery Supplies

Kelowna Labs Unit #5, 325 Bay Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7S3 Phone: 778 484 0900 info@kelownalabs.com www.kelownalabs.com Kelowna Labs is a complete analytical beverage testing lab offering comprehensive testing of Beer/ Wort, Wine, Cider, Kombucha/Kefir and Distilled Spirits to ensure your products are on track to be the best they can be. Kelowna Labs is staffed by knowledgeable scientists from the brewing, wine making and the distilling industry to provide a wealth of services to all beverages.

We specialize in VQA, export and Microbiological testing.

1043 Richter St. Kelowna, BC V1Y 2K4 Phone: 250-868-3186 Toll Free: 1-877-460-9463 Fax: 250-868-0186

cellar•tek east #530 – 380 Vansickle Road St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0B5 Phone: 905-246-8316 Fax: 905-984-8316 info@cellartek.com www.cellartek.com Cellar-Tek is a commercial winery, brewery and cidery supply company based in Canada and serving North America with a full range of quality equipment & supplies. Because we’re such huge fans of great wines, beers and ciders, we strive to be the “go to” support system for commercial producers of these delicious beverages so we can do our part to help them make the best products possible.

Winery Supplies

Gusmer Enterprises 81 M Street, Fresno, CA 93721 Phone: 559-485-2692 Toll Free: 866-213-1131 sales@gusmerenterprises.com www.gusmerenterprises.com For over 90 years Gusmer has offered a full line of products and solutions for the wine and cider industries including yeast, bacteria, fermentation nutrients, processing aids, filtration media and equipment, analytical instrumentation and analytical laboratory services – all backed by strong technical support.

For more information, contact Gusmer Enterprises today.

Winery Supplies

Winery Supplies

Winery Supplies

IDL Process Solutions Inc.

Spraying Systems Co.

1164 Lee Street White Rock, BC V4B 4P4 Phone: (604) 538-2713 Fax: (604) 538-4517 Warehouse: 604-214-6437 info@idlconsulting.com www.idlconsulting.com/

Spraying Systems Canada Ltd.

Originally founded as IDL Consulting and later Incorporated. IDL has over 28 years of experience in wine making and fruit processing in Europe and America. IDL Consulting provides customers with innovative processing and treatment solutions to achieve quality products and to manage resulting waste streams. They also provide solutions for liquid-solids and liquid-liquid separation. Supplier of Yeasts, Fining Agents, Enzymes filtration materials for the wine, juice, beer and distilling industry.

Winery Supplies

Head Office Wheaton, IL 60187 USA 630-665-5000 www.spray.com Montreal Office Laval, QC 800-95-SPRAY Toronto Office Mississauga, ON 800-95-SPRAY Vancouver Office Delta, BC 800-95-SPRAY TankJet® M60 mobile tank cleaners ensure fast, effective cleaning of wine barrels, saving water and eliminating manual cleaning. GunJet® spray guns provide high-impact cleaning for processing areas. With sales engineers located throughout Canada and around the world, local spray expertise is available no matter where you are.

Winery Supplies

Hanna Instruments Canada Inc. 3156 Industriel Laval, QC H7L 4P7 Phone: 450-629-1444 Toll free: 800-842-6629 Fax number: 450-629-3335 sales@hannacan.com www.hannacan.com We supply instrumentation for all the growers and winemakers’ needs whether pocket type, portable or bench type. We offer meters for the analysis of pH, conductivity, sulfur dioxide, total titratable acidity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, residual sugar and many other parameters.

15 Lloyd Street St. Catharines, ON L2S 2N7 Phone: 905-225-0114 contact@nuancetrade.com www.nuancetrade.com Established at the crossroad of the three largest wine volume producing countries in the world, Nuance is at the forefront of the industry’s latest developments. Rigorously trained by our suppliers in the state-of-theart, and paying close attention to our customers’ input and feedback, we propose a comprehensive set of technical solutions, from grape receiving, through wine preparation for bottling.

The Professional’s Choice For Advanced Winemaking Solutions

Toll Free: 1-888-656-5553 www.winesecrets.com Winemaking Wonders: ✓ Precision Alcohol Adjustment ✓ Proven VA and EA Removal ✓ Targeted Taint Removal ✓ Color and Flavor Optimization ✓ Reliable Cross Flow Filtration ✓ Targeted Filtration Test Track ✓ Membrane & Filter Sales & Service ✓ Wine and Water Filtration Systems ✓ Specialty Cider Production ✓ GE Water Product Distributor Let Us Serve You Today!

2017 Buyer's Guide

Nuance Winery Supplies Inc.

Spring 2017 55

Sponsored Article

Frost Protection you can Customize Over 40 years and with over 25,000 wind machines sold worldwide, Orchard-Rite® Wind Machines have continued to lead the industry in wind machine frost protection.

Orchard-Rite® wind machines are built to stand the test of time and they’re proud to say that many of the original wind machines are still in operation more than three decades after they were installed.

Orchard-Rite offers a variety of models and options to customize your equipment on these pages to provide the best possible protection.

They will work with you to determine the horsepower, model and options that best meet your needs and the location that will maximize your machine’s performance.

Wind machines are not just a grower’s best friend – they are also the most environmentally friendly means of frost protection.

The Dogleg Tower

Orchard-Rite’s Auto-Start™ system

Provides enhanced coverage of steep slopes Ideal for slopes greater than 6 degrees. Covers steeper slopes the Tilt Head cannot. Combined with the tilt head, it can cover slopes up to 10 degrees.

Orchard-Rite’s Auto-Start™ is the most dependable system on the market today.

Whether they are powered by diesel, propane or natural gas, all engines are certified to meet current EPA emissions standards.

• Reduces labour costs through automation

Orchard-Rite® blades are the safest, most efficient blades on the market.

They’re all-fiberglass blades are constructed using a unique design and proprietary process.

Pest Guard

We are the only blade manufacturer that does not limit its blade warranty with a wind exclusion.

Electric Oscillator

Learn more here: www.orchard-rite.com

56 Spring 2017

It automatically starts, warms up, throttles up, throttles down, cools down, and shuts off the machine based on an adjustable temperature setting.

• Lowers fuel expenses by shutting down wind machines more efficiently

Dependable, efficient, safe and eco friendly, using the finest raw materials and skilled craftsmen to precision machine and assemble their machines under a strict quality control program.

Rest assured on those cold nights that you are protecting your investment.

The Auto-Start option is specifically designed for wind machine engines.

The Pest Guard provides extra security for the engine compartment. Helps prevent costly pest damage.

Electric Oscillator allows for a custom sweep area between 15-270 degrees. Ideal for narrow fields and canyons. Prevents wasted coverage of unimportant areas. Ensures crops have improved coverage.

Don’t let frost take you by surprise and rob you of a profitable harvest.

Many growers have had their machines come on when they didn’t think there was a frost. Pre-setting start and stop temperatures not only gives you peace of mind, it also reduces fuel and labor costs.

Vortex Anemometer The Vortex Anemometer monitors wind speeds and will shut down wind machine when speeds are too high.

Helps prevent wind damage. Lowers risk of costly repairs. Helpful in noise adverse areas where wind machines can get loud during high winds.

Laydown Tower The Laydown Tower significantly lowers the wind machines height when it’s not in operation. Laydown height: 7’10”, Raised height 35’. Excellent option for maintaining scenic beauty. Works well with pivot irrigation. Improves safety for helicopter and airplanes.

Contour Head The Contour Head is an exclusive and custom option that provides enhanced coverage of irregular terrain. The contour can be custom designed to fit the needs of an area. Improves protection of crops on irregular slopes.

Allows one machine to cover areas that would normally require two standard machines due to a knoll, ridge or plateau edge.

Tilt Head The Tilt Head improves wind machine coverage of small slopes. Ideal for 2-4 degree slopes. Most affordable option for slope coverage. Can be combined with the dogleg tower to increase coverage of slopes up to 10 degrees.

Solar panel The Solar Panel keeps the engine battery properly charged. Ensures the battery is ready to go after long periods of disuse. Lowers risk of unexpected downtime during frost emergencies.

Spring 2017 57

Farm | Orchard | Vineyard | Berry Trellising Kiln Dried Pressure Treated Round Wood Posts and Rails.

Extenda Pack Gases For the winemaking industry

The right gas for the right application We supply CO2, Nitrogen, Argon, Dry Ice and Nitrogen Generators In Kelowna call 765-7658

Preferred Supplier for BC Ministries & Parks Canada.

1-800-225-8247

www.praxair.com 58 Spring 2017

Guaranteed Life Expectancy of 25 years if not damaged or altered before or after installation.

Contact Bill Everitt TF 877.797.7678 | beveritt@xplornet.ca

 THE WORD ON WINE | LISA BRAMAN

Time to Shine for the Wines of Canada

W

ine lovers from around the world celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday at the 39th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 11 to 19, 2017, where guests learned that Canada makes great wine. Of the 180 wineries from around the world pouring wine at the festival, it was the 76 Canadian wineries that had the crowd buzzing.

In addition to bringing together many of our country’s best wineries, Wines of Canada also brought in some of the biggest names in the wine world as keynote speakers and panelists. Audiences heard from, among others, Szabo; renowned author and wine journalist Dr. Jamie Goode; Chris Waters, editor VINES Magazine and wine columnist; Sean Wood, wine writer/columnist; Moira Peters, author, wine writer/ columnist; Pedro Parra, wine terroir consultant; DJ Kearney, wine educator and writer; Rhys Pender, Master of Wine; Barbara Philip, Master of Wine; Treve Ring, wine writer; and Kurtis Kolt, wine writer/consultant.

Over the eight days of consumer, trade, and media events, some 25,000 people swirled, sniffed and sipped wines from across the country. Working collectively under the banner of the Wines of Canada, the Canadian Vintners Association; British Columbia Wine Institute; Wine Marketing Association of Ontario; and the Winery Association of Nova Scotia created the nature-inspired Canada section of the International Tasting Room, six trade masterclasses and five consumer seminars and tasting events. Keynote speaker and panelist John Szabo, Master Sommelier and principal critic for WineAlign, said, “I think it was a great week and Canada put on a great show.”

One of the most popular

masterclasses was Sparkling Wines of Canada moderated

by Janet Dorozynski, Canadian Trade Commissioner for Wine, with panelists Goode, Craig McDonald (winemaker, Trius Winery), Ring; and Wood. “It was an honour to be involved and a treat to work with such a top tier pack of professionals,” said Ring. This masterclass tasted through 13 sparkling wines from BC, Nova Scotia and Ontario with a principal owner or winemaker from each of the wineries on hand to speak to their wine.

On his blog wineanorak.com, Goode wrote, “There’s a buzz around sparkling wine at the moment. Sparkling wine sales account for 11% of global wine sales and this market is

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growing by 4.5% annually. And it’s something that Canada has a talent for, with its cool climate wine regions. Of late there has been the beginnings of something special here in Canada.”

About the wines poured in the class, he wrote, “This selection of wines showed the breadth of the offering of Canadian fizz, with some real highlights. This is an interesting future direction for Canadian wine.”

The International Tasting Room was home to two trade/media tastings and four consumer tastings over three days. The tasting room featured 60 BC wineries from the province’s four geographical indications (Vancouver Island, Fraser Valley, Similkameen Valley and Okanagan Valley); its only official sub-geographical indication, the Golden Mile Bench; and its emerging regions including wineries from Creston, Lillooet and Kamloops.

Six wineries from Nova Scotia and 10 from Ontario were also pouring in the tasting room. “I think Canada showed well! And most importantly showed well as a country not just individual regions,” noted Pender.

At the regional Wines of British Columbia booth Kolt, consultants Kirsten Munro (Kirsten Munro Consulting) and Mireille Sauve (the Wine Umbrella), and James Caldicott (BC liquor industry professional, retired) joined BC Wine Institute staff in pouring wine from 16 BC wineries. The booth was easy to spot.

Set under a huge glowing Wines of British Columbia balloon, the table surround was done in cedar planks and flanked by a combination of cedar boughs, pine trees and other foliage, all backdropped by stunning imagery of BC Wine Country.

“We heard from trade and consumers that BC’s regional tasting booth provided a great overview of the varietals that represent the diversity and complexity of BC wine,” said Kim Barnes, Marketing Director at BC Wine Institute. “It was a great jumping off point from which to enter the BC section of the room and it helped people decide how to approach the myriad of wineries.

In some instances, our staff even had the opportunity to help people plan their upcoming spring and summer BC wine touring routes.”

The Wines of British Columbia were proud to stand with their eastern neighbours in celebration of Canada’s 150th. “As the theme country, it was a tremendous opportunity to work together as the Wines of Canada and to show our wines on the international stage,” added Barnes. Next up for the Wines of British Columbia and Wines of Canada is the massive ProWein International Trade Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. ■ Lisa Braman,Industry Communications Manager at the British Columbia Wine Institute www.winebc.org

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 LEGAL LIBATIONS | SUKH KAILE & DENESE ESPEUT-POST

Living With Your Non-Farming Neighbours

F

arming with non-farm neighbours next door can result in challenges for farmers. There has been an increase in the number of residential neighbourhoods popping up next to farming acreages in the last 25 years.

This is likely due, in part, to BC’s significant population growth during this time period. Growing population and high housing prices have increased the number of neighbourhoods adjacent to farm and rural areas.

This trend has led to both anticipated and unanticipated results for farmers, such as more traffic on rural roads, trespass across private farm property and theft of crops.

There can also be unanticipated results for non-farmers living nearby a farm such as

ner consistent with the proper and accepted customs and standards followed by similar farm businesses under similar circumstances.

noise, odour, dust or other disturbances resulting from farming activities. Sometimes conflicts between farmers and their non-farm neighbours have resulted in legal proceedings. As a result of such proceedings, we can get an idea of the standards that may apply to relations between farmers and their nonfarm neighbours on various matters such as farm animal noises.

If a non-farm neighbour, or any other person, feels distressed about an aspect of a farm operation, they can file a complaint with the Farm Industry Review Board (“FIRB”).

The FIRB is a specialized tribunal which has the authority to hear complaints regarding dust, odour, noise or other disturbances resulting from farm activities. This board decides whether the particular farming activity which is being complained about is part of a “normal farm practice”.

If in the opinion of the FIRB an activity is not a part of a normal farm activity, the FIRB must order the farmer to stop that practice or modify that practice so it is consistent with normal farm practice.

Farmers are protected from liability which may arise from their farm operations under the Farm Practices Protection Act, also known as the Right to Farm Act. This means that a farmer is not liable in nuisance to any other person for an “odour, noise, dust or other disturbance resulting from the farm operation”. To be eligible for this protection, a farmer must be carrying out a “normal farm practice” in the agriculture land reserve or other specified areas set out in the Act. As a farmer, you will want to ensure you are engaged in a ‘normal farm practice’ which means a farm business operated in a man-

One example of such a case is Feehan v Ferguson. Mr. Feehan complained of disturbances from Mr. Ferguson’s poultry, specifically the noises of Mr. Ferguson’s

guinea fowl. Mr. Ferguson owned a farm specializing in greenhouse vegetable production, but also raised lamb and poultry and had various animals including the guinea fowl. Mr. Ferguson disputed the complaint. According to expert evidence, Mr. Ferguson’s guinea fowl contributed to the farm operation as a “predator alarm and deterrent.” The expert evidence also concluded that most of the farm practices carried out

by Mr. Ferguson fell “within the range of commonly accepted practices of farms of similar size and form.” The FIRB ultimately concluded that Mr. Ferguson was carrying on a farm business and using normal practices for a small mixed farm. The FIRB further noted that based upon the evidence before the tribunal, Mr. Ferguson carried out “good farm management” and was “using best practices for a small, integrated farm”. The FIRB dismissed Mr. Feehan’s complaint.

As noted by the FIRB in Feehan v. Ferguson, “people who are buying property in

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Living within the ALR also means that what is a sheep or llama farm today may become a chicken or hog farm tomorrow. This commonly happens in farming areas when circumstances change. Unfortunately, the seeming tranquility of rural areas is attractive to families until they experience the realities of farming, at which time they often feel betrayed.

The Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act was put into place to provide a balanced approach to give neighbours a venue to complain when aggrieved by farming practices. At the same time, it protects farmers from these complaints when they are carrying on “normal farm practices” and taking reasonable actions to mitigate neighbour complaints.”

If you have concerns about a potential complaint about your non-farm neighbour or questions about whether one of your farming activities fall within the meaning of a “normal farm practice”, see your legal advisor. ■

By Sukh Kaile (Articled Student) and Denese Espeut -Post Denese Espeut-Post is an Okanaganbased lawyer and owns Avery Law Office. Her primary areas of practice include wine and business law. www. averylawoffice.ca

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62 Spring 2017

 SEEDS OF GROWTH | FRED STEELE

Time for Reflection sent to the Federal Minister of Agriculture by the Canadian Horticultural Council. Now the BCFGA will work to gain the support of Members of Parliament and the Agriculture Minister for the rejuvenation proposal.

a chance to reflect on where we've been and where things are going. The funny thing about the beginning of a year is how much different things look at the end than you anticipated.

T

he BCFGA campaign and election is over and the initial noise had died away. The BCFGA Annual Convention was held February 2-3, 2017 and the reelected Executive is anxious to get to work. We have already established committee memberships that will address the industry’s many concerns. The weather has not cooperated this year leaving many of us

A year ago, in January 2016, the BCFGA had an initial meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary of Agriculture.

We went to Ottawa with a proposal to rejuvenate the BC tree fruit industry. The suggested idea was to make it a National Program. We worked on refining the proposal and gaining the support of the other apple producing provinces. In time, the other provinces agreed to support the national proposal. Finally, in February the proposal was

While waiting for some of the snow to melt, I have given thought to the other issues we are faced with and what the general mood of the farmer is. I have done some travel near home and to Creston for a first hand look at what our Kootenay Growers are working on. I think the Creston growers are getting on with the spirit of farming.

To my surprise, in Creston there is significant optimism

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Cherry plantings are unprecedented. More commercial sized orchards are being planted or planned in the near future. There was talk of the opportunity for some apple production to be reintroduced.

I have taken to asking “are you optimistic or pessimistic these days?” The response is sometimes confusing. I get a list of challenges as long as your arm, all the while thinking, ‘Oh Boy’.

Then after their individual list of issues, almost every-

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one tends to say, “Other than that, I think the overall future looks better than it did.”

With that in mind, let us look at some of the serious issues farmers face and will struggle with during this crop year.

Invasive pests are coming at an unprecedented rate. The problem is farmers have been

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cides. On the positive side, we have many excellent people who are making the case not to remove certain products from the marketplace - the list is extensive and includes provincial Ministry of Agriculture pest specialists, federal research station scientists and technicians, horticultural advisors, and last but not least, the Canadian Horticultural Council.

Another challenge is the proposed housing bylaws being developed by Kelowna City staff. Some municipalities appear to be formulating regulations based on this not-yetfinal Kelowna bylaw. There are noise and dust issues with neighbours cropping up as many like to live next to an orchard, and when they buy a home they don't understand a working farm comes with drawbacks for neighbors.

Again, the positive aspect is that the BCFGA will work with City Councils to have reasonable bylaws that do not impact the growth of the sector.

We need to emphasize the importance of the local jobs, investment and income generated by the industry. Fortunately, the Right-To-Farm Legislation provides an assurance that city bylaws and

complaints about farm practices are legitimate and address real issues where mediation replaces the ‘rule of the mob’ that we see too often when neighbours get offtrack and gang up on a local farm enterprise.

Food Safe Programs become more complicated and onerous every year. Yes it does create a lot of extra work. There is an upside though. Canada's Food Safety Programs are regarded as the best in the world, and it is time we promoted the asset we have.

Also, the BCFGA is advocating for a single, sensible, practical food safety program. We recently took forward a national resolution to call retailers to account for downloading meaningless food safety rules. The resolution on Food Safety received strong support at Canadian Federation of Agriculture as many growers in different commodity sectors are equally frustrated by some of the Food Safety rules, though everyone accepts that food safety is necessary.

When it comes to pesticides we are finding the formulations are more environmentally conscious and far more expensive. But we have more pests and fewer conventional

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pesticides. In fact, even some of the newer pesticides are being proposed for withdrawal (such as Admire). The future is dependent on innovation in science to come up with new ways to deal with pests. We can be thankful for our Research Stations - looking at everything from new area wide approaches to predators of pests. The Sterile Insect Release Program is a strength for the industry, but it could be even more valuable if we could make better use of the ‘framework’ of SIR. The Sterile Insect Release Board is reported to be mapping out a way forward that will work for the tree fruit sector and maintain the needed municipal support for bylaw enforcement and taxation that is needed for a true area-wide, integrated pest management approach.

How do we combine all of these challenges and opportunities into a coherent whole?

The answer is an Industry Strategy. Let us all pull in one direction, at least to the extent possible by a group of fiercely independent growers.

Recent meetings have been held, such as a “where do we go from here” meeting at Okanagan College. Sven Lembke and Lee Cartier did some background research and offered a few conclusions and challenges for the industry. A strong consensus emerged on the way forward.

When these collaborative efforts come together it is much easier to convince governments to come together in partnerships for the common good.

So what do we need to do in addition to the myriad of things we already do? We need to rejuvenate the tree fruit industry putting more trees in the ground with higher yields.

We need to update our infrastructure to meet food safety, environmental concerns and address the issue of financial efficiencies. We need governments to partner not only with financial assistance and access to loans; we need them to provide more extension services in science and innovation.

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We have just scratched the surface of drawbacks and impediments but a picture is emerging.

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Even with these challenges, farmers are upbeat, as a community we have a “can do” attitude. Not only farmers, are under the spell of optimism in the face of challenges - I was talking to one of the largest nursery growers a while back and he expressed the feeling “I haven't been so optimistic in decades”.

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Confirmation of this feeling is expressed by the rate of tree fruit plantings and nursery stock going into the ground.

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As I travel the province and the country I sense people are prepared to farm, not just the old guys out there now but a whole new generation of young farmers who are about to become stewards of the land.

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By working together, the different parts of our industry add up to more than the sum of the parts. Together, we can be optimistic and look forward to the rewards of everybody’s hard work and vision.

■

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H A L I FA X S E A P O R T FA R M E R S ' M A R K E T

To celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary Orchard & Vine Magazine is highlighting our country's historic Farmers' Markets.

The Halifax Farmers’ Market was created

by Royal Proclamation in June of 1750. The Governor and Council designated a site for the Market, which is the present day Bank of Montreal building. For 50 years this flesh, meat or cattle market, as it was known, sold produce as well as livestock delivered from Acadian farms in the Annapolis Valley and from local farm production.

In 1848 the City of Halifax was incorporated and the original City Charter conveyed the Country Market property to the city “for the public and common benefit and use of the City of Halifax according to the true interest and meaning of the original grant.”

The market has been in continuous operation for 266 years, marking its own anniversary on Oct. 17. The market actually opened just one year after the City of Halifax was established in 1769, and while the actual location has moved over the year, the market remains one of the country's most significant cultural heritage landmarks.

66 Spring 2017

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The Market has operated in several locations across the city since its inception in 1750, but moved to the Halifax Seaport in 2010 where it is now known as the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market – the longest continuously running Market in North America and proudly hosting over 250 vendors!

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