Orchard & Vine Magazine Spring Issue 2014 by Before & After Media

Dwarf Trees, Big Profit Bugs with Benefits Spring 2014 $6.95

Wine Trails Pave Road to Success Display Until June. 15, 2014 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40838008 www.orchardandvine.net

It’s like watching grass grow. Only it won’t. There’s nothing to see here. Nothing at all, except your healthy orchard. That’s because Alion ® is hard at work. This pre-emergent broad spectrum herbicide stops weeds before they start, so you won’t see them all season long. Apply it once for complete residual protection against both broadleaf and grassy weeds including glyphosate-, triazine- and ALS-resistant weeds. When it comes to weed control in your orchard, there’s simply nothing better. Learn more at BayerCropScience.ca/Alion

BayerCropScience.ca/Alion or 1 888-283-6847 or contact your Bayer CropScience representative. Always read and follow label directions. Alion® is a registered trademark of the Bayer Group. Bayer CropScience is a member of CropLife Canada.

Spring 2014

THIS YEAR, ONE MOVE WILL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Your fruit and vegetables need strong protection and tender care all season long, to reward you with a high-quality, profitable crop. That’s why growers like the powerful, flexible protection of DuPont™ Fontelis® fungicide. Choosing Fontelis®, the next-generation Group 7 fungicide, is the crucial move in your 2014 disease management program. Fontelis® stops disease in its tracks with preventative and residual action on apple scab, powdery mildew, botrytis and many other important diseases. It’s time for a fresh start on disease management. It’s time for Fontelis®.

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Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit Fontelis.DuPont.ca As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and Fontelis® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2014 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

Spring 2014

Photo by Stephanie Symons

The Westside Wine Trail, Page 18.

Regulars 6 Publisher's View – Lisa Olson 8 Calendar 9 News & Events 16 Gizmo Guide 60 Editor’s View – Gary Symons 61 Guest Column – Alexander Thistlewood 63 The Word on Wine – BCWI 65 World Wine Web – Mike Cooper 66 The Wild Things – Margaret Holm 69 Legal Libations – Denese Espeut-Post

Spring 2014

Features 18 Wine Trails Pave the Way to Success 23 Cherries to China 25 2014 Supplier Directory 47 Bugs with Benefits 50 Buy Local goes Mobile 51 Dwarf Trees, Big Profits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IFTA Conference 53 Fruit Bandits: The Rise in Patent Theft 55 BCFGA elects 'Solid Steele' for President 57 Reforming Liquor Law in BC

Sponsored Articles 17 Penergetic Makes Your Grapes More Energetic 70 Shippers Supply Develops New PLU Label

Art at Mission Hill part of the Westside Wine Trail, Page 18.

Bugs with Benefits, Page 47.

Spring 2014

 PUBLISHER’S VIEW | LISA OLSON

Agri-Tourism Made Simple

Vol. 55, No 2 Spring 2014

Established in 1959

oes starting an agri-tourism business seem too complicated? Maybe it’s not your cup of tea to have the public on your property?

Publisher Lisa Olson

Well, it may not be as hard as you think.

Editor

I recently attended an agri-tourism workshop and listened to Helen Kennedy from Arlo’s Honey Farm offer tips and methods about how she grew her agritourism business over the years. Helen is an unstoppable force, and provides simple, practical advice on what worked for her, and what can work for you.

Helen did all this, while continuing to offer events, bus and school tours on her property. Inviting the public onto your property involves lots of planning. You want to be ‘ready’ and show up with a smile when a busload of people arrive in your driveway. If you’re not the smiley type then

Graphic Design Stephanie Symons Contributors Michael Botner, Mike Cooper, Photo by Kim Elsasser

One of the tips can apply to any industry, and that is adding layers to your business. Kennedy says you can start small by adding on additional products and services as you grow. In her case, honey was a natural first product, after that came honey candles, and then a cookbook that she said was very labour intensive because the recipes all replaced sugar with honey. After that, she developed a skin care line using honey. This unique layer of her business can later be sold as a stand-alone business, a consideration if you’d like to remain on your farm instead of selling the complete business.

Gary Symons

Kim Elsasser, Denese Espeut-Post, Margaret Holm, Alexander Thistlewood Sales & Marketing Holly Thompson

you can ‘hire a smile’. During her Annual Bee Day event, she has a few smiling students painted like honey bees passing out pamphlets, something too time consuming to do herself.

Circulation info@orchardandvine.net Orchard & Vine Magazine Ltd.

Helen is a valuable mentor to other farm operators and offered her time, knowledge of trials and tribulations to the participants at the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Program for Agri-Tourism Operators.

1576 West Kelowna Road West Kelowna, B.C., V1Z 3H5 E-mail: info@orchardandvine.net www.orchardandvine.net

So think about how you might want to expand your products or services whether you are a farm operator or not. And good luck!

Phone: 250-769-2123 Fax: 1-866-433-3349 Orchard & Vine Magazine is published six

If you have a story you want to tell, drop us a line… Enjoy the magazine!

times a year and distributed by addressed direct 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 Undeliverable copies should be sent to:

1576 West Kelowna Road West Kelowna, BC, V1Z 3H5

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Spring 2014

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 SPRING | CALENDAR

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Spring 2014

Okanagan Spring Wine Festival May 1 – 11 Various Locations, BC www.thewinefestivals.com Canadian Vintners Association May 6 "Vintners Day on the Hill" "Canadian Wine Experience Reception" Government Conference Centre, Ottawa, ON www.canadianvintners.com Bloom BC VQA Spring Release May 21 - Victoria May 22 - Vancouver www.winebc.org BC Fruit Growers Association, Joint FAO IAEA Meeting June 2 Kelowna, BC www.bcfga.com 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference July 11-13 Santa Barbara County, CA, USA winebloggersconference.org 15th Annual BC Enology & Viticulture Conference July 21 -22 Penticton Trade and Convention Centre Penticton, BC www.bcwgc.org/conference

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Summerland Swap Postponed Indefinitely The decision on the ALR land swap in Summerland has been postponed indefinitely. Summerland council was scheduled to vote on the proposal to swap 200 acres of farmland near the downtown core, for a larger piece of land on a hill. Mayor Janice Perrino says the vote will be postponed in order to have at least one more public hearing, as more than 50 people were unable to squeeze into the town hall meeting on March 3.

"They’re trading prime farmland in the ALR for poor land," Carlson says. "That isn’t going to change because they hold another town hall meeting."

Photo Contributed

Erin Carlson, organizer of the Stop the Swap organization, says further town hall meetings won’t change the opinion of opponents.

Three hundred people showed up to protest the ALR landscape.

Got an Innovative Idea for Agriculture in BC? Got an innovative idea for agriculture in BC? Well, the government may just be willing to pay you for it. Ottawa and Victoria are pouring an additional $10.4 million dollars into the creation of new products or improved practices in BC's agrifood industry. That boost literally quadruples the budget for the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program, which now stands at $13.4 million. The money will be used to support innovative product development from now until 2018.

Already, in the first year of operation, the program has invested $1.9 million in a variety of projects, from transforming agricultural waste into value added products, to developing a new cider in the Okanagan. Some of the projects approved so far include: - The BX Press Inc was awarded $46,451 for a project that plans to demonstrate that adding hard cider and blended cider to an Okanagan orchard operation will T:7.5” provide farmers a true value-added op-

portunity with strong market demand; - Merridale Ciderworks Corp was awarded $39,050 for a project that will use available B.C. agricultural products to create new world-class spirits, and then develop and expand the market focusing on historical craft distilling methods. To be eligible, applicants must be appropriately registered, licensed and/or certified to conduct business in BC. For more information go to: http://iafbc.ca/ agri-innovation.htm

Applelication T:2.25”

[a-pəl-lə-kā-shən]

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Spring 2014

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Lydia Ryall Cited as 'Outstanding' in her Field Third-generation Delta grower Lydia Ryall was named the 2014 BC and Yukon Outstanding Young Farmer at the BC Agriculture Council’s annual gala in Abbotsford. While she comes from a farm family, the 29-year-old organic grower has definitely carved out her own path. She earned her BSc in Agriculture at the University of Lethbridge, and a diploma in Agriculture Production at Olds College. After graduating Ryall worked as an Environmental Farm Planner, before returning to her home town of Langley. Rather than continue working on her family’s 18-acre greenhouse operation in Delta, she leased land from her parents and started her own organic farming operation. Four years ago she moved her operation to Westham Island. Her fourhectare plot is a certified organic mixed vegetable and pasture-based poultry op-

eration, using a variety of cutting edge techniques. Her farm’s mission statement is summed up in her motto: "Real. Good. Honest. Food." In her speech, Ryall says she is interested in all types of agriculture, not just organic, and her decision to go organic was based on market forces, not philosophy. "It’s what my customers want," she says. But, having made that decision, Ryall and her sister Lydia work hard to use the latest techniques in organic farming. "I want my farm to be a positive example of sustainable agriculture," she says. "We focus on high value crops and crops which you can't find in regular grocery stores." The winner, named at the B.C. Agriculture Council's annual gala, represents this province in the national competition for Young Farmer of the Year.

Lydia Ryall named 2014 BC and Yukon Outstanding Young Farmer.

BC Growers Say Travel Charges for Mexican Workers Too High "This last round here a few weeks ago we were faced with paying 800 or 900 per seat," DiMaria says. "My wife could have found that same seat for anywhere from five to six hundred dollars.

BC fruit growers say they are being overcharged for the cost of bringing foreign farm workers to BC from Mexico. Grower Sam DiMaria led the charge at the BC Fruit Growers Association meeting in February, saying growers are losing thousands of dollars every year. "You have to make the arrangement through a travel agent that is affiliated with the Mexican government, and they seem to have a monopoly," DiMaria says. "When we attempt to book the flights to bring the workers in the price of the seat always seems to be at a premium price. "We know from experience that we can get the same flights at a much reduced price." DiMaria says an orchardist bringing in five workers could end up paying $1,000 to $1,500 in unnecessary travel charges. "The problem is, when we bring the workers in here in the early part of the 10 Spring 2014

growing season, we are forced to go through their travel agent, and the price that they charge us is much higher than we could find on our own with someone like Air Canada," DiMaria says. "We know this because when we send the workers back to Mexico we are allowed to make our own arrangements, and we find every time that we can find cheaper seats, at significant reductions." How significant? DiMaria says it usually works out to about $200 to $300 per worker on a one-way flight from Mexico City.

"I understand that may change due to the timing of the flight and the number of available seats, but I believe if someone does their due diligence they would be able to find seats at a much reduced cost." BCFGA manager Glen Lucas says the issue of travel arrangements for Mexican farm workers is negotiated on an ongoing basis by the Canadian government and the Mexican government, but the BCFGA does have the ability to comment on issues, and can give input on the negotiations. "This is something we are very aware of, and it is something we will be working on in these negotiations with the Mexican government," Lucas said.

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Apple Research and Promotion Agency Voted Down by BCFGA started the process," Lucas said. "I would say that of the people I’ve met who have studied the proposal and are aware of what’s in the plan, I see huge support."

The controversial proposal for an Apple Research and Promotion Agency is dead, despite winning just over 50 per cent support from growers with the BC Fruit Growers Association.

The levy was expected to raise about $316,000 per year, including matching funds from government. Of that total, $102,000 would be spent on research, and $89,000 on promotion of BC apples.

When the votes were counted, 135 growers voted in favour of the ARPA proposal, 133 voted against, and one vote was spoiled. The proposal required a 65 per cent majority for approval.

But the BCFGA did not succeed in turning that support into a winning vote. Only 43 per cent of growers actually voted, and many saw the proposal as yet another cost, with little direct benefit.

"Only 50 per cent voted yes, so the plan will not be forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture," said the BCFGA in a Feb. 19 press release. The proposal was to create a new organization focused on research of various issues facing fruit growers, and also on launching promotional campaigns for their products. Growers would pay a levy of two/tenths of a cent per pound of apples produced.

BCFGA general manager Glen Lucas said prior to the vote that most people who have studied the details appear to support the ARPA project. "It’s hard to say right now what the support level is like, because we’ve just

The voting started on Nov. 27 but concluded at the BCFGA Annual General Meeting on Feb. 15. Newly elected Fred Steele was in favour of the plan, but said it failed to win the hearts and minds of the 550 growers in the BCFGA.

BC Farmers' Markets Celebrate Success with 1st Annual Award Farmers Markets are a growing trend in BC, and the industry celebrated its success in March with the First Annual BC Farmers' Markets Awards.

"This is a great initiative to recognize the people who make local foods available at a grassroots level in British Columbia," Quinn says.

Elizabeth Quinn, executive director of the BC Association of Farmers Markets says the annual award gala is a great way to celebrate the achievements of those people who are helping grow the concept of farm-to-table food.

Bruce Fatkin of the Abbotsford Farm and Country Market was singled out as the market manager of the year, who has guided the wildly successful market since it launched 10 years ago.

The Taves Family Farm was chosen as Farmers' Market Vendor of the Year; a fitting tribute for a family that has been producing food for the community for three generations. The UBC Farm Community Market was also featured in the award banquet, winning a Special Achievement Award for its promotion of the farm market concept.

T:7.5”

Grapeﬁne T:2.25”

[ grāp-f īn]

Usage: “I didn’t see any powdery mildew or botrytis in my grapefines because I applied Luna Tranquility™.”

Spring 2014 11

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

BC Cherry Association Elects Bal as President

The BC Cherry Association has a new president, as long-time grower Sukhpal Bal was elected at their AGM in February. Bal brings both deep experience in agriculture and a sharp business sense to his new role. Bal's family has been working the land in Kelowna for almost 100 years, since his grandfather Bhaghu Singh arrived in Canada. Bal grew up on the farm, but also left long enough to acquire a degree in International Relations and a degree in business. On his return to the farm, Bal and the family decided they needed to expand their operations, so they have added a successful farm market and cafe to their agri-business. Bal's degree in International Relations will likely come in handy this year, as the BC Cherry Association is navigating the tricky waters of a trade agreement with China. BC is in the second year of a pilot program that would allow BC cherries to be exported to China, where prices are much higher than in the local market. "I think Sukhpal will be very good for us," said Dendy, the outgoing president. "He is young, energetic and very articulate, very smart, and he has a good head for business as well." Most of the current board members have returned, but there are a few new faces, and some directors have changed their role on the board.

Complete Board for 2014 Includes: President: Sukhpal Bal • Vice President David Geen Secretary: Graem Nelson • Treasurer: Christine Dendy Research Chair: Hank Markgraf

12 Spring 2014

Spring 2014 13

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

BCWI Wants Wine at the Grocery Store If the BC Wine Institute gets its way, you’ll soon be able to go to the grocery store to pick up some eggs, a loaf of bread, some milk ... and a 2011 Cabernet Franc.

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14 Spring 2014

CEO MIles Prodan says the BCWI is backing the government’s plan to allow the sale of BC VQA wine in designated BC grocery stores by Christmas. "BC is home to the original 100 mile diet, with BC consumers having long supported ‘buy local’ and specifically the BC VQA Wine Industry," Prodan says. "Premier Clark and the government’s announcement of having BC VQA wines available in grocery store aisles will increase exposure for people to enjoy or discover our world class, 100 per cent BC wine." There are people who are concerned about the loosening of wine sale regulations, among them those who fear it will be easier for young people to access alcohol, or existing liquor stores who feel their business is at risk. But Prodan says the BCWI is supporting the initiative, as it brings BC into line with most western countries, and also makes VQA wine more easily available.

î Ž SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Canada Drinking More Wine, with Red Leading the Way Good news for wine producers in Canada; wine consumption is increasing faster than any other category of alcoholic beverages.

Canadian Alcohol Consumption

BEER VS. WINE

A study by BMO Capital Markets shows alcohol sales increased slightly in Canada over the past year, driven largely by the increase in wine purchases. BMO Capital Markets economist Aaron Goertzen says the portion of sales attributable to wine has increased steadily since the mid-1990s, from less than 20 per cent to over 30 per cent in 2013.

BEER 44% BEER 53%

WINE <30%

WINE >20%

2010's

1990's

Canadian Wine Consumption

RED VS. WHITE RED UP 300%

1990's

WHITE UP 29%

2010's

That increase is due to a combination of higher volumes, and higher average prices. In other words, Canadians aren't just drinking more wine, they are also drinking better wine. In particular, Canadians are buying more red wine with sales almost tripling over the past 20 years. White wine sales, by contrast, have only grown by 29 per cent over the same period. This explosive growth in the wine industry comes at the expense of the beer industry. Goertzen says beer purchases made up 53 per cent of all alcohol sales 20 years ago, while today it totals only 44 per cent.

Spring 2014 15

Gizmo GUIDE The Cork That's Not a Cork Now winemakers have another choice when it comes to stopping up the wine bottle. This unique new wine bottle from EZ Cap has a reusable flip-top bottle stopper so wine drinkers can simply pop it back on and save their wine for another day. Sales manager Roxanne Quast says the new bottle is practical, because it is completely reusable, but it also brings a unique look and feel. "When you look at all the bottles in the wine store, they all look the same," says Quast. "This bottle looks so different on the shelf that it really draws the eye." In fact, many people buy the products in EZ Cap bottles just so they can have the bottle. Once you're done with your wine, the bottle can be used for bottling sauces, oils or just about anything you can think of. The EZ Cap wine bottles also come with a dual finish, they accept both flip-top caps and corks. See more at www.ezcap.net or contact Roxanne Quast, roxanne@ezcap.net.

The Coravin Wine Access System Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an incredible innovation that may just preserve the concept of using corks for wine, rather than screwtops. For the first time, wine enthusiasts will be able to enjoy wine by the glass, without committing to the whole bottle. The device is particularly good for wineries and wine bars that offer by-the-glass tasting. The Coravin device "... solves the age-old problem that wine oxidizes after the cork is pulled," says CEO Nick Lazaris. The Coravin has a thin needle that passes through the cork. The bottle is pressurized with argon, so no oxygen comes into contact with the wine. Once the needle is removed the cork reseals itself, and the wine can continue to age naturally. World-famous wine writer Robert Parker calls the Coravin "... the most transformational and exciting new product for wine lovers that has been developed in the last 30-plus years." $299 US at www.coravin.com Coravin Capsule 3-pack is $29.95

16 Spring 2014

 SPONSORED ARTICLE

Penergetic Makes Your Grapes More Energetic Better wine. Improved resistance to pests and disease. Reduced use of chemical inputs. You’d think with all those benefits, Penergetic would be a household name in the wine making industry in Canada. But in fact, use of this innovative biotechnology is not yet well known in vineyards here. Derek Pratt, the BC-based importer and Canadian distributor, would like to change that. "We love wine, we love wine touring, and this is a fantastic product for winemakers," says Pratt. "So right now we are really trying to get the word out about Penergetic for that industry." Oddly enough, while not used in Canadian wine production, Penergetic is practically a household word among European wine producers. In Austria many wine bottles carry a small Penergetic label. "In Europe Penergetic has a reputation and a significance, suggesting reduced chemical inputs and more sustainable

growing practices," Pratt explains. So, what is Penergetic? Essentially, a twopart system: Penergetic k is applied to the soil at the beginning and end of the vegetative stage of growth. It stimulates microbial activity, unlocks nutrients and improves soil fertility. Penergetic p is applied to the plant during the vegetative cycle to promote root development and mycorrhizal activity, which enables vines to better access nutrients from the soil. Penergetic was developed in Switzerland 20 years ago, and is used in 35 countries, including crop production and market gardens in Canada. The most extensive research on the use of Penergetic with grape culture has taken place in Europe under the direction of agronomist Christof Weber. Trials there have shown have shown the Penergetic Method can improve soil health, lead to

stronger, more vibrant, less stressed vines and permit an increase in both grape quality and quantity. Penergetic-treated vines need much less fertilizer, pesticides and fungicides, and yet are still more resistant to pests, drought and heat stress. Austrian winemaker Christian Grassl, started using Penergetic in 2005. He reduced his use of pesticide by 65 per cent right away. By 2012 he reduced pesticide use by 95 per cent, and fungicide use by 75 per cent. "We know Penergetic can be a real boon to the wine industry, so we are very keen to introduce it to that market," says Pratt. "Aside from the benefit of healthier plants and more sustainable practices, it just makes for better wine. We’ve found in trials it actually elevates the Brix reading (for sugar content), so grapes are sweeter, they ripen better, and they survive better."

Optimizing Vineyard Quality and Profits • • • • • • •

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improves nutrient availability promotes mycorrhiza increases stress resistance optimizes vine & leaf growth reduces need for chemicals enhances quality greater income & profitability

PENERGETIC CANADA 1-888-737-0907

www.penergetic.com Spring 2014 17

WINE TRAILS The concept of marketing 'wine trails' within the Okanagan has taken off over the past five years, but the big question is, does it really help bring more customers to the wineries? To find out, Orchard and Vine took a look at the experience of one of the Okanagan's more recently established regional wine associations, the Westside Wine Trail. The answer, according to winery owners, is that the wine trail is bringing more people into the region, and it's likely helping smaller wineries the most. Sarwan Gidda, owner of Volcanic Hills on Boucherie Road, says establishing the Westside Wine Trail helped both tourists and locals realize there's much more to the area than just the 'big guns' like Mission Hill and Quail's Gate. "The more people know it's not just one winery, the better," Gidda says. "Mission Hill is a great asset for us, and so is Quail's Gate, because they have always brought in a lot of people. But now, we at Volcanic are becoming a real destination." Part of the reason is that every winery is stocking a rack card that highlights all of the other wineries in the area. When people visit one winery, the staff will tell them about other wineries in the area. In fact, if one winery doesn't have a particular type of wine, they'll direct them to a nearby winery that does have it. Marketing done by Westside Wine Trail emphasizes the region as a daytrip destination, and Gidda says this has been very successful. "I think with the advertising they are doing more people are aware of it and more people are coming," Gidda says. "When we were advertising on our own it was not as successful. 18 Spring 2014

PAVE THE

Wine lovers line up for a tasting at the Mt. Boucherie Estate well, other businesses in West Kelowna are benefitting from

HE PATH TO SUCCESS

Winery, one of eight wineries who make up the Westside Wine Trail. Operators say the wine trail concept has helped increase visits at all of the wineries in the region. As partnerships, such as staging craft shows at wineries, or catering events like the recent Sip With Your Sweetheart on Valentine's Day. Photo Contributed.

Spring 2014 19

Westside Wine Trail Members Are Getting More Visitors "You see, the more good wineries we get the more people are going to come here to his area," he adds. "Yes, it is competition, but it's good to have that competition. If we were by ourselves here we wouldn't get even half the traffic we are getting now, because people go to Volcanic, then to Mission Hill, then to Mt. Boucherie and so on. "Now, they make it an all-day event, not just a 10-minute event dropping into one winery." Steve Dale at Rollingdale says the Wine Trail concept became a necessity after winemakers saw the success others were having in places like Summerland, where the 'Corkscrew Drive' concept has drawn thousands more people to that region.

Little Straw Vineyards 2815 Ourtoland Rd, West Kelowna www.littlestraw.bc.ca

"All the other areas of the Okanagan have grouped together," Dale says. "There is the Corkscrew Drive in Sum-

Kalala Organic Estate Winery 3361 Glencoe Rd, West Kelowna www.kalalawines.ca

20 Spring 2014

Mission Hill Family Estate

Quailsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gate Estate Winery

1730 Mission Hill Rd, West Kelowna www.missionhillwinery.com

3303 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna www.quailsgate.com

Rollingdale Winery

Beaumont Family Estate Winery

2306 Hayman Rd, West Kelowna www.rollingdale.ca

2775 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna www.beaumontwinery.com

Volcanic Hills Estate Winery

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery

2845 Boucherie Rd, West Kelowna www.volcanichillswinery.com

829 Douglas Rd, West Kelowna www.mtboucheriewinery.com

Spring 2014 21

Photos by Stephanie Symons

he explains. "In the Okanagan we are all in this together to a certain degree, but there definitely are these clusters of wineries. Just as you see car dealers all together on one corner, you're better off if you can work together to attract customers to your area." A good example of the Westside Wine Trail's success was the annual Sip With Your Sweetheart event, staged around Valentines Day during the ordinarily slow winter months.

Preparing a pour at the Rollingdale Winery.

"We didn't think we would get that many people, but we were amazed," says Gidda. "We started at 11 o'clock and we didn't finish until 5. "We lost count at 400 people. It was probably over 500 in the end, and that is in one day, and you know it's the middle of winter, it's after Christmas when people are a bit broke, and then boom! There's 500 people in your winery!"

Sarwan 'Bobby' Gidda of Volcanic Hills says the Wine Trail marketing is helping wineries do business in the slow winter months.

mland, there's Naramata Bench wineries, there's the Fab Five in Kelowna, so the Westside had to get its act together and put up a trail of our own. So, we have a rack card with all the wineries on it, and tourists pick that up as they go." Dale says the key is creating an image or brand for each region, so it becomes a destination in its own right. "It helps to have a regional identity," 22 Spring 2014

Westside Wine Trails marketing director Salina Petschulat-Curtis says that ability to market in a group is key to creating a sense of destination. "So often people will come to an area, and they might go visit one place like Quail's Gate, and not realize that there are actually eight wineries in the area around it," PetschulatCurtis says. "Through this initiative they become aware that the wine trail is a destination they can go to." One of the most important things about the Wine Trails concept, in the Westside and elsewhere, is that it allows the wineries to bring in more business during the traditionally slow winter months. Events like the pre-Christmas craft shows in the Westside Wineries, the Sip with Your Sweetheart event in February, or the Christmas lightup event in Summer-

land, all examples of events that increase business in the hard months of winter. "In the summer time we are really, really, really busy," says Gidda. "But, come November to April I actually wish we could do more events. "I think people would come," he adds. "Maybe some people don't like skiing, and there's no golfing, so people look for other things to do in the winter. If we had more events I do think local people would come, and so would the people from out of town." Petschulak-Curtis says that is a decision that will be made by the winemakers themselves. "Right now the plan is to grow our three current events, but there may be an opportunity for another event in the future," Petschulak says. "One of the reasons I like working with the wine trail is that everything is done by group consensus, and everyone is totally dedicated to making it work, because this is their life and their livelihood. They're in this for the long haul, some of them for generations of their family, so people make decisions quickly and work hard to make them successful. "It's been good so far. I think it's just going to get better in the future." Dale agrees the concept of Wine Trails has become very important for the Okanagan industry, because it has allowed each region to market effectively as a destination in its own right. "Our real competition is the rest of the world," Dale says. "First, you want to get people to come to the Okanagan, but if you can get them to the Okanagan, then the next thing is you want them to come here. And that's what this does." â&#x2013;

Cherries

CHINA After Seven Years, BC Growers Ready to Crack the China Export Market This summer will be a critical time for cherry growers, as the Chinese government ponders opening the door to imports of BC grown cherries. Last year, after seven years of negotiations, China launched a pilot project importing about 400 tons of cherries under strictly supervised conditions. April Ingraham of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says two Chinese inspectors were sent to the Okanagan to supervise and inspect all shipments, and more importantly, to establish the rules under which cherry exports could take place. While the pilot was successful, Ingraham says the Chinese are extremely strict about produce coming into their country,

and the program will be extended this year. "It is unfortunate because we thought we would be done with the pilot program last year, and we would be exporting to China this year," said Ingraham. "We really thought we had satisfied their needs last year ... but I guess not." So, the bad news is it will be yet another year before China opens the door more than a crack. The good news, says Ingraham, is that the door is still open at all. "If we pave the way this year with a few participants (growers and packing houses), and we are successful with that, then we can do a lot more next year," Ingraham told a packed house at the BC Cher

ry Association's annual general meeting. The primary concern for China is the danger of importing North American pests that they do not currently have to deal with, like the Black Cherry Fruit Fly or the Western Cherry Fruit Fly. For that reason, the Chinese inspectors arriving this year will spend two weeks or more in the Okanagan, making sure that very strict conditions are met. Among them: â&#x20AC;˘ traps will be set throughout participating orchards for the pests they are concerned about; â&#x20AC;˘ a local coordinator will count how many fruit flies and other relevant pests are caught in each orchard; Spring 2014 23

• if a certain threshold is reached, that orchard may be banned for exporting for the year; • loading docks must be hermetically sealed between the transport truck and the dock, to prevent insects flying in; • once packed, the fruit must be kept in a sealed, pest proof building;

Photos by © Waihs | Dreamstime.com

• all packing houses must be GAP certified. (Good Agricultural Practices; see gapcertification.com for more detailed information). Orchards do not have to be GAP certified, but Ingraham says the requirements are strict enough that they approach the same level required by GAP. While the requirements may be onerous, BC Cherry Association chair Christine Dendy, a Kelowna cherry grower, says the benefits are well worth it. "In general, prices for cherries in China will be much, much higher than we can get locally," Dendy told Orchard and Vine. During her presentation to the Association members, Dendy showed one picture where a pound of cherries was being sold for $109 Hong Kong dollars, or $15.56 Canadian. "Cherries are a luxury and an expensive commodity, especially when they are shipped by air freight," she said. Dendy took part in the first year of the pilot last summer, shipping out two

Prices for cherries in China will be much, much higher than we can get locally, cherries are a luxury and an expensive commodity. Christine Dendy pallets of dark red and scrupulously inspected cherries with the sticker she had waited seven years to see: "For Export to China." Dendy told growers the China market presents a great new opportunity for B.C. growers. If the pilot is successful this year, by next year exports to China are expected to reach $10 million in sales, or about 25 per cent of all B.C. cherry sales. That figure is expected to double within the next five years.

Photo by Gary Symons

"We are hopeful 2014 will involve a simpler (inspection) regimen, and the intent is by 2015 Canada will have a permanent regimen for shipping to China," Dendy said. "It may have been a bit onerous, but it is a very small investment for the great benefits of this initiative."

BC Cherry Association chair Christine Dendy, a Kelowna cherry grower.

24 Spring 2014

BC has a particular advantage in shipping to China, as cherries ripen here just in time for major Chinese events like the Moon Harvest Festival. That festival is the same kind of windfall for cherry grow-

ers in China as Christmas is for turkeys in North America. Last year, air-shipped 5 kilogram boxes of cherries were selling for $102 Cdn for the festival in mid-September. The other reason this deal is important is that cherry growers are paving the way for other fruit growers in BC. When the program was launched, Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm explained the pilot is also intended to provide an inspection protocol that gives all fruit growers sustained access to the massive Chinese market. "The breakthrough with cherries is going to lead us well into other crop exports,"Pimm said, adding blueberries will likely be the next crops going through the process. Right now, CFIA is taking applications from farmers and packing houses that want to be part of this year's pilot program. Ingraham urged all applicants to get their applications in early. ■

■ Accounting

■ Oak Alternatives

■ Agencies – Design, Printing, Websites

■ Orchard Supplies

■ Animal, Bird and Pest Control

■ Packaging Containers and Boxes

■ Appraisals

■ Packing House Equipment, Automation

■ Associations and Government

■ Painting

■ Concrete Resurfacing

■ Pesticides

■ Cooperage, Tanks, Containers

■ Photography

■ Corks, Capsules, Closures

■ Post Harvest

■ Crop Protection and Products

■ Pruning Equipment

■ Fabricating

■ Real Estate

■ Farm Equipment

■ Refrigeration

■ Farm Management

■ Safety and Supplies

■ Fencing

■ Soil and Soil Testing

■ Fertilizer

■ Spreaders

■ Financial

■ Storage and Shipping

■ Fuel & Lubricant

■ Tractors, Sprayers, Machinery

■ Frost Protection

■ Trailers

■ Funding Programs

■ Vineyard Equipment

■ Greenhouses, Covered Buildings

■ Vineyard Installations

■ Harvesting Equipment

■ Viticulture

■ Insurance

■ Wind Machines

■ Irrigation

■ Wine Accessories and Giftware

■ Juicing

■ Winery Equipment

■ Labels and Labeling Equipment

■ Winery Services

■ Nursery Supplies

■ Winery Supplies

Accounting

Agencies – Design, Printing, Websites

Rossworn Henderson LLP 600,1628 Dickson Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X1 Phone: 250-979-2574 Toll Free: 1-877-766-9735 Fax: 250-763-1121 geoff.mcintyre@mnp.ca MNP.ca MNP is one of the largest national accounting and business consulting firms in Canada. Based in Kelowna, MNP’s Business Advisors for the B.C. Wine Industry provide our clients personalized strategies to help you succeed.

Enderby Box 705, 201-900 Belvedere St Enderby, BC V0E 1V0 Phone: 250-838-7337 Toll-free: 1-888-818-3276 Fax: 250-838-2144 Armstrong Box 405, 2535 Patterson Ave Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 Phone: 250-546-8665 Fax: 250-546-2419 www.rhllp.ca Expert farm taxation advice:

10-10 Commercial St. Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G2 Phone: 250-591-6965 info@hiredgunscreative.com www.hiredgunscreative.com Extraordinary wine deserves extraordinary design. Focused on branding wineries, we provide design services as unique and unforgettable as the wine you craft. Let Hired Guns Creative bring your wine to life with high-caliber naming, branding, labels, websites, and marketing.

• Purchase and sale of farms • Transfer of farms to children • Preparation of farm tax returns • Government subsidy programs • Use of $800,000 Capital Gains Exemptions Approved consultants for Government funding through BC Farm Business Advisory Services Program

Reid Hurst Nagy Inc. – Certified General Accountants Okanagan Office 1873 Spall Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 4R2 Phone: 250-860-1177 Lower Mainland Office #105 - 13900 Maycrest Way Richmond, BC V6V 3E2 Phone: 604-273-9338 Toll free: 1-888-746-3188 Fax number: 604-273-9390 info@rhncga.com www.rhncga.com RHN understands the unique challenges faced by growers and producers of vine and orchard products and services. Business owners deserve to have experienced and knowledgeable accountants and business advisors who provide extraordinary service and go beyond standard expectations. At RHN, we are REAL PEOPLE WITH REAL SOLUTIONS who business owners trust and rely upon.

Taylormade Ideas

White Kennedy LLP Chartered Accountants 201-99 Padmore Ave E Penticton BC V2A 7H7 Phone Penticton: 250-493-0600 1-2429 Dobbin Rd West Kelowna BC V4T 21A Phone West Kelowna: 250-768-3400 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 Accounting firm providing the Valley with exceptional, personalized service at competitive rates. With accounting offices in Penticton, West Kelowna and Osoyoos, we are small enough to be readily accessible and large enough to offer a full range of professional services and a wide range of experience.

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402 Orchard Ave Penticton, BC V2A 1Y2 Phone: 250-276-4333 info@taylormadeideas.ca www.taylormadeideas.ca 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, marketing and public relations 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.

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Animal, Bird and Pest Control

Redden Net & Rope Ltd. Kootenay Covers Box 989 Kaslo, BC V0G 1M0 Phone: 250-353-2264 mroberts@kootenaycovers.com www.kootenaycovers.com The Organic Solution, Kootenay Covers Prevents all worm, wasp and bird damage without poison. Tight weave for cherries to prevent worms. Looser weave for grapes to keep out wasps. 100% effective if used correctly. Lasts for years! Don’t spray, just set and forget!

#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.

Protecting fruit since 2005 Call 250-353-2264 or email for more information.

Appraisals

Associations and Government

British Columbia Grapegrowers’ Association 451 Atwood Road Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H9 Toll free: 877-762-4652 Fax: 250-442-4076 bcga@nethop.net www.grapegrowers.bc.ca The British Columbia Grapegrowers’ Association is a non-profit organization that represents all commercial grape producers in British Columbia on agricultural issues and concerns. We work with other industry organizations, with provincial and federal agricultural organizations and all levels of government to represent, promote and advance the interests of all grape growers in British Columbia.

Concrete Resurfacing

Neal Carter And Associates Ltd. 12033 Loomer Road Summerland, BC V0H 1Z8 Phone: 250-494-1099 Fax: 250-494-0338 neal_carter@telus.net www.farmsolutions.net NCAL is a supplier of high quality agricultural fabric, including drapeover bird netting, side-netting, rain fabrics, wind-break fabrics and shade cloth. The company also supplies fruit and vegetable processing equipment and crop production and management software.

Marvelous Ideas Contracting Ltd.

Totall Appraisals Inc. 18455 72nd Ave Surrey, BC V4N 1M9 Phone: 1-604-574-3344 Toll Free: 1-888-574-3345 Fax: 1-604-574-6515 mbrumpton@shaw.ca www.totallappraisals.com I am an Independent Fee Appraiser, 25 years experience, Certified Senior Appraiser – Equipment Appraisers Association of NA, accredited – Specialty Vehicle Appraisal Institute.

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Serving the Construction, Forestry, Agriculture, Mining and Transportation Industries. We are able to appraise most items other than Land & Buildings. Please call and discuss your items that require values.

Unit #6 – 2543 Juliann Road West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2M3 BC Interior: (250) 258-8728 Lower Mainland: (604) 830-3412 Toll Free: 1-866-227-5165 Fax number: (250) 769-4615 don@marvelousideas.com www.marvelousideas.com An innovative specialty trades 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), equipment and technology that can enhance traction and corrosion/thermal resistance and/or are anti-microbial, CFIA approved.

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Cooperage, Tanks, Containers

Corks, Capsules, Closures

A.O. Wilson Ltd

cellar•tek west

9597 17TH Sideroad Erin, ON N0B 1T0 Phone: 1-885-857-1511 (519-833-0400) Fax : 519-833-2502 headoffice@aowilson.ca

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

Western Canada-Hubert Oliver Phone/Fax : 250-764-2645 holiver@aowilson.ca or hsoliver@shaw.ca A.O. Wilson stocks a full line of filter sheets and cartridges, plain and VQA PVC’s and polylams, natural sparkling and still wine corks, muselets, crown caps and bidules, sparkling foils, 30x60 plain and VQA Stelcaps, oenological products, wine bags+cartons and small equipment; air crowners, bag filling equipment, impeller and prog. cavity pumps, labelers, heat shrinking devices, table top screw cap applicating machines and more.

cellar•tek east

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

info@cellartek.com www.cellartek.com

Technical Sales & Service to the Wine & Brewing Industries.

Products Lines: DIEMME crushpad equipment; LIVERANI & KIESEL Pumps; ALBRIGI Tanks; AEB & LAFFORT Fermentation Supplies; INNERSTAVE, FRANCOIS FRERES, SAURY, CHARLOIS & LEROI Oak; G&D Chillers, SPADONI, FILTROX & 3M Filtration; ALFATEK, VALENTIN, ENOS, SIFA & PALMER Packaging Equipment; STELVIN Screwcaps; Lab Equipment & Supplies; REMCO; SEITAL Centrifuges.

TWIN MAPLE INDUSTRIAL TANKS

Canton Cooperage 5803 Skylane Blvd., Suite C Windsor, CA 95492 USA Tel: 707-836-9742 sales@cantonwood.com Brian: (Western Canada) Cell: 707-484-2628 bgeagan@cantonwood.com Carlos: (Eastern Canada) Office: 905-468-3719 cluis@chene.com www.cantoncooperage.com Premium American Oak Barrels. Tight grain, Cooper selected wood. Open-air seasoned/certified for a minimum of: 24 months: “Vintage” 36 months: “Vintage Premium” 36 months: “Grand Cru 3 Year” 48 months: “Grand Cru Limited Edition” Available in 225L, 228L, 265L, 300L, or 500L. HACCP Food Safety Certification.

Twin Maple Industrial Tanks 32351 Huntingdon Rd. Abbotsford, BC V2T 5Y8 Phone: ( 604) 854-6776 Toll Free: (800) 663-8898 Fax (604) 854-3223 garry@twinmaple.com www.tmitanks.com We supply tanks for farm and industrial liquid, wine and brewery production, community water systems, cottage water collection, city and municipal applications, storage of road de-icer solution, inground septic systems and for the transportation of liquids. Call us today! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will assist you with your project needs.

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TricorBraun Winepak 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 and the latest wine packaging options, such as pouches and kegs. The automatic repack facility enables repacking from bulk to case. WinePak Direct provides bottles for smaller runs such as reserve wines.

Crop Protection and Products

For super-fast aphid knockdown, choose Closer™. Why use Closer? • Provides best-in-class control of aphids • Features Isoclast Active, the first of a novel new class of chemistry – the sulfoximines – discovered by Dow AgroSciences • Offers great protection through both systemic and translaminar activity • Effective on insecticide resistant insect populations • Low use rates, favourable environmental profile, easy on beneficials • Unmatched speed and effectiveness Try Closer and see for yourself. Visit dowagro.ca or talk to your local retailer.

Crop Protection and Products

Farm Equipment

Penergetic Canada

Avenue Machinery Corp.

329-5525 West Blvd Vancouver, BC V6M 3W6

1521 Sumas way Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z6

Office/Warehouse 101-8988 Fraserton Ct Burnaby, BC V5J 5H8 Phone: 604-736-0907 Toll free: 1-888-737-0907 Fax: 604-736-0901

Abbotsford Phone:604-864-2665 Fax: 604-864-9568 Toll Free: 1-888-283-3276

info@penergetic.ca www.penergetic.ca Crop inputs for vineyards (and orchards), including: soil activator (unlocks nutrients by stimulating microbial activity in soil and compost) and in-crop foliar application (strengthens plants and promotes mycorrhiza enabling better nutrient uptake and reduced use of fertilizer and chemical inputs). Tank mixable with other products, suitable for conventional or organic agriculture, used globally, Swiss-manufactured.

Kelowna Phone: 250-769-8700 Fax 250-769-8755 Toll Free: 1-800-680-0233 Vernon Phone: 250-545-3355 Fax: 250-545-4255 Toll Free: 1-800-680-0233 reception@avenuemachinery.ca www.avenuemachinery.ca Avenue Machinery Corp. is your specialist in the supply and service of agricultural and light construction equipment to southern British Columbia. We feature premium brands such as Kubota, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Landpride, Florida, Rankin, Maschio.

Fabricating

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.

Notes

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 include; Orsi Platforms, Darwin blossom thinners, Bartlett custom packhouse equipment.

Bowtie Tech Corp 15210 - 97 Street Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V2 Phone: 250-495-6459 bowtie@vip.net • Tractor & Ag equipment parts and repairs • Pruners and pruner parts • Sprayer hose, nozzles, valves • Tire sales and repairs – all types • TWO mobile service trucks • Wet tire repairs ‘On The Farm’ available • Propane cannons, bird control systems and devices Mon - Fri 7am to 5pm Sat 7am - Noon

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Farm Equipment

Provide Agro Corporation

Gerard’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.

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 include; Orsi Platforms, Darwin blossom thinners, Bartlett custom packhouse equipment.

Farm Management

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 Box 578 Blaine Lake, SK S0J 0J0 Phone: 1-306-466-2294 Toll free: 1-877-474-2871 Fax number: 1-306-466-2297

South Okanagan Equipment 5679 Sawmill Rd Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 250-498-5145 Fax: 250-498-5135 sokequip@hotmail.com

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

Sales and service of new and quality used farm equipment, parts and accessories. Dealer for Yanmar Crawler Tractors, Nairn Grape Harvesters, Edwards Equipment, Rankin Equipment, Turbo-Mist, Northstar Attachments, Rabaud post pounders, S&A compost spreaders and AerWay soil aerators. Ask for a demo today!

Why Hire a Professional? 1. They have the expertise and know-how to get the job done. 2. Many jobs and repair tasks require specific tools 3. It’s a time-saver! Hire a pro and get it done right and quickly the first time!

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Fencing

ABCustomFencing.com Phone: 250-567-8581 info@abcustomfencing.com www.abcustomfencing.com Distributors of the Stock-ade Pneumatic Fence Wire Stapler System helping you staple fast, safer, smarter, saving you time and money in your fence and trellis installations. Dealer/Installer of Gallagher Fence Animal management systems. Bear & Wildlife Fencing Specialist, Design, Supply, Installation.

Fencing

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 35 years.

Fertilizer

Meadow Valley Construction specializes in vineyard, wildlife and range fence installations. We are equipped to post pound, auger plant holes, install harpoon and screw anchors and install game fences.We instrument survey and layout for post location. We are pleased to serve the Okanagan Valley.

Notes

Bank of Montreal Steve Saccomano Manager Agriculture BC Division Abbotsford Main 101-32988 S Fraser Way Abbotsford BC, V2S 2A8 Office: 604-504-4976 Fax: 604-504-4634 steve.saccomano@bmo.com Iain Sutherland, P.Ag.,CCA Manager Agriculture BC Division 101-32988 S Fraser Way Abbotsford, BC, V2S 2A8 Office: 604-504-4978 Fax: 604-504-4634 iain.sutherland@bmo.com Lynn Lashuk, P.Ag Manager, Agriculture 2nd Floor, 294 Bernard Avenue Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6N4 Office: 250-979-7827 Fax: 250-861-3725 lynn.lashuk@bmo.com

Meadow Valley Construction Box 1807 Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 Phone: 250-494-7462 Cell: 250-490-6660 Fax: 250-494-7469 kpenny@xplornet.com

Financial

Superior Peat Inc

Talk to a BMO Agri-Specialist. We’re here to help.

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.

Farm Credit Canada 200 – 1634 Harvey Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G2 Phone: 250-470-5050 Toll Free: 1-800-387-3232 Fax: 250-470-5061 www.fcc-fac.ca FCC is Canada’s leading provider of financial and business services tailored to the agriculture industry.

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Financial

RBC Royal Bank – Brian Nowoselski 302 Main Street Penticton, BC V2A 5C3 Phone: 250-490-4404 Fax: 250-492-8861 brian.nowoselski@rbc.com www.rbcroyalbank.com/agriculture RBC has 2 agricultural financing specialists in the Okanagan. Brian Nowoselski in the South Okanagan/Similkameen 250-490-4404 Kathy Brewster in the North Okanagan 250-558-4336 kathy.brewster@rbc.com

Frost Protection

Spectrum Technologies, Inc. 3600 Thayer Ct. Aurora, IL 60504 USA 60504 Phone: 815-436-4440 Toll Free: 800-248-8873 Fax: 815-436-4460 info@specmeters.com www.specmeters.com Affordable weather stations, soil moisture sensors and probes, pH & EC meters, light meters, frost alarms, IPM tools, plant disease software and degree-day counters.

Fuel & Lubricant

We have dedicated Agriculture Specialists with years of experience in agriculture, who understand the unique needs of Canadian farmers.

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 The Investment Agriculture Foundation is an industry-led not-for-profit organization that works with the agri-food industry to invest federal and provincial funds toward projects that have the potential to transform ideas into solutions. Funding is available through programs like the Growing Forward 2: Canada-BC AgriInnovation Program to help you and your sector become more competitive and sustainable. Talk to us about your project idea today!

Greenhouses, Covered Buildings

Manufacturing

TD Canada Trust – Agriculture Services 1633 Ellis Street, Unit 100 Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A8 Phone: 250-763-4241 Ext 222 Cell Phone: 250-503-4501 Fax number: 250-712-5470 Jeremy.Siddall@td.com www.tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture/

Funding

Lakeland Oil 350 Carion Rd Kelowna, BC V4V 2K5 Phone: 250-869-8487 Fax: 1-866-337-7180 sales@lakelandoil.ca www.lakelandoil.ca Your local independent supplier of delivered fuels and quality lubricants.

Paul Boers Ltd. 3500 South Service Road Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0 Phone: 905-562-4411 Fax: 905-562-5533 38900 No. 4 Road Abbotsford, BC V3G 2G2 Ph 604-850-9428 Fx 604-852-4090 info@paulboers.com www.paulboers.com

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Constant innovation and technology has enabled Paul Boers Ltd. to remain on the leading edge of the development of complete greenhouse environments. Choose from the venlo, gutter connect, freestanding, widespan and coldframe greenhouses, benches, irrigation, environmental controls, heating and curtain systems. Call us today.

Harvesting Equipment

Irrigation

Provide Agro Corporation

Corix Water Products

4825 Union Rd. Beamsville, ON L0R 1B4 Phone: 905-563-8261 Toll free: 1-800-263-1287 info@provideag.ca www.provideag.ca

19900 84th Avenue Langley, BC Postal Code: V2Y 3C2 Phone: 604.455.3500 Toll free: 1.800.667.2445 Fax: 604.455.3502 info.waterproducts@corix.com www.corix.com

Provide Agro is an N.M. Bartlett Inc. company that was formed to focus our horticulture equipment and technological innovation lines. Lines include; Orsi Platforms, Darwin blossom thinners, Bartlett custom packhouse equipment.

With over 30 branches throughout Canada, Corix Water Products provides quality irrigation, drainage and organic solutions to the agricultural industry. Our product line ranges from water management, pump systems, compost tea soil amendment, premium worm castings, drip/ micro irrigation to valves and valve boxes, rain water harvesting, landscape lighting, pond aeration and more.

Irrigation

Nulton Irrigation (B.C.) Ltd 5830 Sawmill Road Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 250-485-0246 Fax: 250-485-0247 german@nultonirr.com www.nultonirr.com Serving the Okanagan for over 40 years. Our staff of BCIA certified irrigation designers is continuously searching for the most efficient method of irrigating your crop. No charge for consultation or design.

I R R I G AT I O N LT D .

Insurance

Robert Fiume Toll free: 1-800-670-1877 Ext 3815 rfiume@capri.ca www.capri.ca Since 1975 Capri Insurance has provided innovative insurance solutions to the business community from eleven convenient locations. • Kelowna • Lake Country • West Kelowna • Vernon • Kamloops • Penticton

Nelson Irrigation Corporation 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 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 stateof-the-art of irrigation by saving water, saving energy and doing a better job of irrigating.

Head office - Langley, BC Branch offices in William’s Lake, BC and Lynden, WA Call Toll Free 1-888-675-7999 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.

Notes

With subsidiaries in Prince George, Burnaby and Ontario. Robert Fiume, is a viticulturist and insurance broker specializing in wineries and the agricultural industry.

Visit Orchard and Vine Online • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • 9

Juicing

Okanagan Mobile Juicing Inc. 5955 Lytton Road Vernon, BC V1B 3J9 Phone: 250-550-8885 info@mobilejuicing.com www.mobilejuicing.com We are a locally owned and operated mobile juicing business, making fresh juice from your fruit. Our clean, professional service provides you with a pasteurized, packaged product, ready for resale or personal use. Certified Organic Process. NEW THIS YEAR! We are now able to process apples, berries and herries! On top of our specialized Bag-in Box packaging in 3L and 5L sizes, we are now offering a glass bottling service. Book early to reserve your preferred dates.

Labels & Labeling Equipment

Nursery Supplies

Shippers Supply Inc. 1888 Spall Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 4R1 Phone: 250-762-8484 Toll free: 1-800-661-5639 Fax number: 250-762-4455 kelowna@shipperssupply.com www.shipperssupply.com For more than 38 years, Shippers Supply has been manufacturing and distributing packaging, shipping and warehouse supplies in Western Canada. With 10 stocked warehouses and showroom locations, our experienced and knowledgeable professionals will work with you to find the solution you need, when you need it. Custom and stock boxes, labels, tags, carts and more.

Knights Grapevine Nursery Eckhard Kaesekamp 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!

Nursery Supplies

“French Tradition, American Made!”

Jet Label EDMONTON (Head Office) 9445 - 49th Street, Edmonton, AB T6B 2L8 Phone: 780.440.5135 Fax: 780.465.7837 Toll Free: 1.866.440.5135 www.jet-label.com Whatever your product, Jet can label it. We are the all-in-one solution for your labelling needs. We are western Canada’s largest label manufacturer and printer with locations in Vancouver, Prince George, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Stick out and stick with us, Jet Label.

Guillaume Grapevine Nursery

Mori Vines Inc.

21208 State Route 113 Knights Landing, CA 95645 Phone: 530.735.6821 Fax number: 530.735.6822 jvittot@guillaumenurseries.com www.guillaumenurseries.com

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

Providing top quality vines since 1895!

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

Orchard Supplies

Provide Agro Corporation

Gerard’s Equipment Vintage Nurseries 27920 McCombs Ave. Wasco, CA 93280 Phone: 661-758-4777 Toll free: 1-800-499-9019 Fax number: 661-758-4999 dustin@vintagenurseries.com www.vintagenurseries.com Vintage Nurseries is one of North America’s largest producers of dormant field-grown benchgrafts. They also produce greenhousegrown 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.

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.

5803 Skylane Blvd., Suite C Windsor, CA 95492 USA Tel: 707-836-9742 sales@xtraoak.com Brian Geagan: (Western Canada) Cell: 707-484-2628 brian@xtraoak.com Carlos Luis: (Eastern Canada) Office: 905-468-3719 cluis@chene.com French or American oak alternatives for neutral barrels and tanks. Cooperage grade oak quality, long, open-air seasoning. Plain, Light, Medium, or Medium Plus Toastings. HACCP certified. Ask about our “Toasts Blends”; French Naturelle, Clair, Roti or American Spectrum or Bold. Exclusive new STICK 22.90. Products also available online: www.xtraoak.com

Packaging Containers and Boxes

Oak Alternatives

Xtrachêne / Xtraoak

4825 Union Rd. Beamsville, ON L0R 1B4 Phone: 905-563-8261 Toll free: 1-800-263-1287 info@provideag.ca www.provideag.ca

N.M. Bartlett Inc.

Great Little Box Company

4509 Bartlett Rd. Beamsville, ON L0R1B1 Phone: 905-563-8261 Toll free: 1-800-263-1287 info@bartlett.ca www.bartlett.ca

Kelowna Branch Office 679 Willow Park Road Kelowna, BC V1X 5H9 Phone: 250-765-6988 Toll Free: 1-877-861-3444 Fax: 250-765-6954 kelowna@greatlittlebox.com www.greatlittlebox.com

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.

With over 25 years in packaging, Great Little Box Company is your local one-stop source for corrugated boxes, folding cartons, labels and displays. With Great Little Box Company, you will receive award winning customer service, quality products and on time delivery every time.

Notes

Visit Orchard and Vine Online • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • 11

Packaging, Containers and Boxes

Peninsula Packaging Company, LLC 2801 River Road Yakima,WA 98902 Phone: 509-575-5341 Fax: 509-575-0246 wasales@penpack.net www.penpack.net Peninsula Packaging Company has been delighting its customer’s for over 10 years by supplying the highest quality, lowest priced, recycled content PET clamshells that the industry offers. Call, email or visit our website to find out more about our each of our product lines (apple-blueberryblackberry-cherry-grape-raspberrystrawberry-tomato).

Packaging, Containers and Boxes

Shippers Supply Inc.

TricorBraun Winepak

1888 Spall Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 4R1 Phone: 250-762-8484 Toll free: 1-800-661-5639 Fax number: 250-762-4455 kelowna@shipperssupply.com www.shipperssupply.com For more than 38 years, Shippers Supply has been manufacturing and distributing packaging, shipping and warehouse supplies in Western Canada. With 10 stocked warehouses and showroom locations, our experienced and knowledgeable professionals will work with you to find the solution you need, when you need it. Custom and stock boxes, labels, tags, carts and more.

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 and the latest wine packaging options, such as pouches and kegs. The automatic repack facility enables repacking from bulk to case. WinePak Direct provides bottles for smaller runs such as reserve wines.

Packing House Equipment, Automation

Richards Packaging #140 - 9200 Van Horne Way Richmond, BC V6X 1W3 Phone: 604-270-0111 Fax: (604) 270-8937 cmckinney@richardspackaging.com www.richardspackaging.com NEW AT RICHARDS: CALL US FOR GROWLER PRICING. 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 and a leading distributor of various injection molded containers and packaging systems.

Provide Agro Corporation Thunderbird Plastics Ltd. 6969 Shirley Avenue Burnaby, BC V5J 4R4 Phone: 604-433-5624 Toll free: 1-888-77T-BIRD (1-888-778-2473) Fax number: 604-433-6231 info@thunderbirdplastics.com www.thunderbirdplastics.com TPL is committed to supplying quality, affordable and reusable materials handling solutions. Since 1970, we have been continually striving to expand our product lines, improving our pricing and delivery times and enhancing our customer service with quality plastic container products.

12 • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • Visit Orchard and Vine Online

The right packaging and shipping products are important aspects of your business. Contact the professionals listed here.

Painters

Pesticides

Post Harvest

Fraser Valley Refrigeration Secure-Rite Mobile Storage Inc.

Awesome Painters by Bonita Enterprises West Kelowna, BC Phone: 250-826-3788 sindarin1970@me.com • Interior and Exterior • Walls, doors, trim and ceilings • Wood Finishing and Spraying •Small Drywall Jobs • Top of the line products • Fully Licensed and Insured • Serving Kelowna and the Valley For a FREE estimate please call: Dave 250-826-3788 or Bonita 250-869-7501

Pesticides

230-2075 Enterprise Way Kelowna, BC V1Y 8R6 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!

Photography

26121 Fraser Hwy. Aldergrove, BC V4W 2T8 Phone: 604-856-8644 Toll Free: 1-800-661-5772 Fax: 604-856-7768 info@fvrl.com www.fvrl.com Design, installation and service on refrigeration, insulated cooler and freezer boxes, ventilation and HVAC.

Pruning Equipment

N.M. Bartlett Inc. Okanagan • Vancouver Palm Springs • Hawaii Kim Elsasser Phone: 250-870-8616 KimElsasser@me.com www.kimsphotography.com • Business Portraits • Family Portraits • Glamour • Commercial • Wedding • Destination Photography International Award Winning Artist

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.

Notes

Visit Orchard and Vine Online • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • 13

Pruning Equipment

Okanagan Viticulture Services Inc. PO Box 25026 Mission Park PO Kelowna, BC V1W 3S9 Phone: 250-762-9845 Fax: 250-762-9846 Cell: 250-878-3656 www.infaco.com fwhitehead@shaw.ca No Noise! No Hoses! No Pollution! Powerful pruning at its best. Electrocoup offers ultimate safety and precision with power and speed. Electronic Pruning Equipment

Real Estate

Refrigeration

KOOLJET Refrigeration Inc. Jerry Geen RE/MAX Kelowna 100 – 1553 Harvey Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G1 Phone: 250-870-3888 Toll Free: 800-663-5770 Jerry@TeamGeen.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’s professional demeanour, sharp analytical skills, industry contacts and extensive experience with farms & acreages, he is the REALTOR® you need working on your behalf! Call Jerry today!

Refrigeration

1444 Bell Mill Side Road R.R. 6 Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4G9 Phone: 519-842-2268 Toll Free:1-866-748-7786 Fax: 519-842-8020 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 HydroCoolers, Wine Tank Chillers, and Room Coolers.

Frozen, Refrigerated and Dry Storage Facilities

Rancho Cooling & Warehouse Ltd. BC Farm & Ranch Realty Corp. 2014 Whatcom Road Abbotsford, BC V3G 1Y9 Phone: 604-852-1180 Toll Free: 1-888-852-2474 Fax: 604-852-1191 info@bcfarmandranch.com www.bcfarmandranch.com BC Farm & Ranch Realty Corp. is BC’s first and only Real Estate office dedicated 100% to Agriculture properties.

Fraser Valley Refrigeration 26121 Fraser Hwy. Aldergrove, BC V4W 2T8 Phone: 604-856-8644 Toll Free: 1-800-661-5772 Fax: 604-856-7768 info@fvrl.com www.fvrl.com Design, installation and service on refrigeration, insulated cooler and freezer boxes, ventilation and HVAC.

Notes

14 • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • Visit Orchard and Vine Online

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.

Safety and Supplies

Soil and Soil Testing

Spreaders

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 whatcommfg@nas.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 mulch, sawdust, shavings, manure, solids, etc.

Storage and Shipping

Soil and Soil Testing

Frozen, Refrigerated and Dry Storage Facilities

Rancho Cooling & Warehouse Ltd.

Corix Water Products 19900 84th Avenue Langley, BC Postal Code: 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 30 branches throughout Canada, Corix Water Products provides quality irrigation, drainage and organic solutions to the agricultural industry. Our product line ranges from water management, pump systems, compost tea soil amendment, premium worm castings, drip/ micro irrigation to valves and valve boxes, rain water harvesting, landscape lighting, pond aeration and more.

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.

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Storage and Shipping

Secure-Rite Mobile Storage Inc. 230-2075 Enterprise Way Kelowna, BC V1Y 8R6 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!

Tractors, Sprayers, Machinery

Island Tractor & Supply Ltd. 4650 Trans Canada Highway Duncan BC V9L 6L2 gord@islandtractors.com Phone: 250-746-1755 Toll Free: 888-795-1755 Fax: 250-746-1717 Island Tractor & North Island Tractor are your full service agricultural, commercial and light industrial equipment dealers on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Authorized in Sales, Service and Parts for Kubota, New Holland, Cub Cadet, Wallenstein, Land Pride, Fella, AerWay, JayLor, Farm King, Maschio and HLA equipment.

Abbotsford Phone:604-864-2665 Fax: 604-864-9568 Toll Free: 1-888-283-3276 Kelowna Phone: 250-769-8700 Fax 250-769-8755 Toll Free: 1-800-680-0233 Vernon Phone: 250-545-3355 Fax: 250-545-4255 Toll Free: 1-800-680-0233

North Island Tractor 3663 South Island Highway Courtenay BC V9N 9T6 russ@northislandtractor.com Phone: 250-334-0801 Toll Free: 866-501-0801 Fax: 250-334-1637 www.islandtractors.com

Avenue Machinery Corp. 1521 Sumas way Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z6

Tractors, Sprayers, Machinery

Kubota Canada Ltd. 5900 14th Ave, Markham, ON L3S 4K4 Phone: 905-294-7477 www.kubota.ca Kubota Canada has proudly served the orchard and vine growers since 1975 and has grown to 150 authorized dealers. Specializing in narrow tractors in both open station and factory cab models from 23 to 85 Hp. Visit Kubota.ca to find a location near you and join the family.

reception@avenuemachinery.ca www.avenuemachinery.ca Avenue Machinery Corp. is your specialist in the supply and service of agricultural and light construction equipment to southern British Columbia. We feature premium brands such as Like us at: Kubota, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, facebook.com/OrchardandVineMagazine Landpride, Florida, Rankin, Maschio. 16 • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • Visit Orchard and Vine Online

Nieboer Farm Supplies 230016 HWY 519 Nobleford, AB T0L 1S0 Phone: 403-824-3404 Toll free: 1-855-405-3404 Fax number: 403-824-3957 info@nieboerfarmsupplies.com www.nieboerfarmsupplies.com Full Service Dealer of Hummerbee™ All Terrain Forklifts. We provide parts, service, full warranty coverage, and full sales support. Ask for David Vandervalk.

Noble Tractor And Equipment Ltd. 4193 Noble Road Armstrong, BC V0E 1B4 Phone: 250-546-3141 Toll Free: 1-800-661-3141 Fax: 250-546-3165 nobletractor@telus.net www.nobletractor.com Your dealer for Turbomist Sprayers, Landini Orchard & Vineyard Tractors, and Case IH Tractors & Farm Equipment. We can help with equipment solutions, parts, & service for your business.

Tractors, Sprayers, Machinery

Outback Guidance 326 Saulteux Cres Winnipeg, MB R3J 3T2 Phone: 204.896.2476 Toll free: 1.866.888.4472 Fax: 204.888.0991 outbacksales@outbackguidance.com www.outbackguidance.com

Tractors, Sprayers, Machinery

Timberstar Tractor 2-7861 HWY 97 North Vernon, BC V1B 3R9 Phone: 250.545.5441 Fax number: 250.545.1103 info@timberstar.ca www.timberstar.ca We are a full service certified “ 5 Paw” KIOTI tractor dealer.

Kamloops • Kelowna Abbotsford • Langley TOLL FREE 1-877-553-3373 Find us on Facebook and Twitter! Your Local John Deere Dealer For Sales, Service and Parts. Selling Specialty sprayers and Tractors, and mowers for Orchard, Berry, and Vineyard growers.

Need a new tractor? Visit Orchard and Vine Online

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 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.

for more information and deals

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Slimline Manufacturing Ltd.

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Since the beginning, in 2000, Outback Guidance has been dedicated to delivering advanced precision farming systems that are easy to use and affordable. With dedicated customer service and innovative products, we have grown to become one of the world’s leading aftermarket suppliers of GPS systems for agriculture. We understand the needs of today’s 21st century farmer and are well-positioned to meet your needs.

Tractors, Sprayers, Machinery

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Wal-Kat Equipment 2000 Barnes St. Penticton, BC V2A 4C3 Phone: 250-492-6716 Toll free: 1-888-492-5528 Fax number: 250-492-4472 walkatlifttruck@shaw.ca www.walkatequipment.ca Wal-Kat Equipment Is proud to introduce a full line of LS Tractors for the farming, ranching community. Although LS Tractors are fairly new to Canada, Its reputation for high quality and reliability stands among none other. A full line of 23 to 97 HP with open station and factory cabs are available.

www.orchardandvine.net

Like us at: facebook.com/OrchardandVineMagazine

Visit Orchard and Vine Online • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • 17

Trailers

Vineyard Equipment

Cummings Trailer Sales & Rentals 29571 Fraser Hwy Abbotsford, BC V4X 1H2 Phone: 604-856-1988 Toll Free: 877-856-1988 Fax: 604-856-4535 cummingstrailers@gmail.com www.cummings.ca Offering a great variety of utility, dump, flatdeck, cargo, horse and stock trailers.

Vineyard Equipment

Providing Canadian Grapevine Solutions

Vineyard Installations

ATAGO U.S.A., Inc. 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/ Since 1940, ATAGO has been the last word in usability, reliability, and precision in professional-grade refractometers. With high-contrast analog hand units, innovative and rugged digital units, and an extensive line of laboratory and process models, ATAGO is instrumental in keeping your quality assured.

Viticulture

278 Line 5, RR 4 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Phone: 905-984-4324 Fax number: 905-984-4300 sales@VineTech.ca www.VineTech.ca Services: Producers of Canadian grafted Grapevines and Importers of grapevines from Europe and the United States for sale across Canada. We also offer custom grafting, potted grapevines, trellising and planting.

Wind Machines

Bowtie Tech Corp Meadow Valley Construction Box 1807 Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 Phone: 250-494-7462 Cell: 250-490-6660 Fax: 250-494-7469 kpenny@xplornet.com Meadow Valley Construction specializes in vineyard, wildlife and range fence installations. We are equipped to post pound, auger plant holes, install harpoon and screw anchors and install game fences.We instrument survey and layout for post location. We are pleased to serve the Okanagan Valley.

18 • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • Visit Orchard and Vine Online

15210 - 97 Street Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V2 Phone: 250-495-6459 bowtie@vip.net • Tractor & Ag equipment parts and repairs • Pruners and pruner parts • Sprayer hose, nozzles, valves • Tire sales and repairs – all types • TWO mobile service trucks • Wet tire repairs ‘On The Farm’ available • Propane cannons, bird control systems and devices Mon - Fri 7am to 5pm Sat 7am - Noon

Wind Machines

Phone: 360.354.4451 Toll free: 888.855.4981 Fax: 360.354.6910 ksturtz@farmersequip.com fpolinder@farmersequip.com www.farmersequip.com Authorized dealer for Orchard-Rite wind machines, Rears Sprayers, Case IH tractors, and Branson vineyard tractors.

Wine Accessories & Giftware

cellar•tek west Valentinos International Wholesaling Inc. 5B - 1873 Spall Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 4R2 Phone: 250-707-1547 Toll free: 1-888-707-1547 inquire@valentinosintl.com www. valentinosintl.com “Specializing in quality Wine Accessories and Giftware”

WEB Metal Fabricators Ltd.

Wholesale distributor of corporate gifts, promotional products, corkscrews, wine openers, barware, decanters and wine accessories. Custom imprinting is available on most products.

Factory Authorized Dealer 3650 Hwy 97 South Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V1 Phone: 250-495-7245 wmetfab@telus.net www.orchard-rite.com Consulting, Sales & Installation. Sales Rep - Robert Webster. Auth. Dealer for Orchard-Rite®. 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.

Missed listing your business in this print directory - contact us and we'll get you up and online right away. Call 250-769-2123 info@orchandvine.net

Winery Equipment

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

cellar•tek east #530 – 380 Vansickle Road St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0B5 Phone: 905-246-8316 info@cellartek.com www.cellartek.com Technical Sales & Service to the Wine & Brewing Industries. Products Lines: DIEMME crushpad equipment; LIVERANI & KIESEL Pumps; ALBRIGI Tanks; AEB & LAFFORT Fermentation Supplies; INNERSTAVE, FRANCOIS FRERES, SAURY, CHARLOIS & LEROI Oak; G&D Chillers, SPADONI, FILTROX & 3M Filtration; ALFATEK, VALENTIN, ENOS, SIFA & PALMER Packaging Equipment; STELVIN Screwcaps; Lab Equipment & Supplies; REMCO; SEITAL Centrifuges.

Winery Equipment

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 amateur and professional winemaker and beer brewer. Visit our store or have us ship your order. New products everyday – some not yet reflected in the online catalog. Distilleries, vinegar, mead, cider, & fruit processors need us too!!”

E.Z. Cap Box 10388 Station Main Airdrie, AB T4A 0H6 Phone: 403-282-5972 Fax: 403-220-1336 roxanne@ezcap.net www.ezcap.net Attractive 750 ml flip-top wine bottle accommodates a cork or retro flip-top cap. Major wineries can use a cork and leave flip-top off the side or use with just the flip-top cap. Will be a unique presence on the shelf of any wine shop. Great for home winemakers as well-no issues with corking or storage.

Visit Orchard and Vine Online • www.orchardandvine.net/directory • 19

Winery Services

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2014 Pre-Spring Issue Tractor Guide. Get a jump on Spring!

2014 Spring Issue Supplier Directory

2014 Summer Issue Wine & Agri-Tourism

2014 Innovation Issue Now looking for innovative growers and products to feature.

2014 Fall Issue Harvest

2014 Year End Issue Year in Review Plan Ahead for next year.

PRINT â&#x20AC;˘ ONLINE To Advertise or Feature your Business or Products Contact 250-769-2123 info@orchardandvine.net www.orchardandvine.net 46 Spring 2014

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On the outskirts of Nanoose Bay, on Vancouver Island, 10 buildings are spread over a fairly typical farm property. Horses roam the green fields ... but this is definitely not a horse ranch; it's a ranch of a very different kind. Inside those 10 nondescript buildings, literally billions of bugs are living and breeding. This is the home of the Bug Factory, one of only three similar businesses in all of Canada. "We're bug farmers," says co-owner Angie Hale. "Our youngest daughter was so embarrassed she told everyone I was a nurse, because she didn't want to tell them I was a bug farmer!" Angie and husband Chris co-founded the Bug Factory in the 1980s with a few cag

es of insects in the garage and buckets of bran mites in the bathroom. The business took off, and has evolved into a full-scale production facility and research centre. They raise everything from pollinating bees to the mighty Ladybug, to microscopically sized nematodes, so small that five million beneficial nematodes will fit into a teaspoon. Scientists and specialists in organic farming from the Bug Factory work with customers to help control pests, while reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides. The Bug Factory partners with Biobest Biological Systems, a worldwide leader in biological protection, allowing them to supply virtually any biological control product their clients could ever need.

These products range from standard mites and lady beetles, to newly developed and experimental insects; all the way to sticky cards and traps, bio-pesticides, nematodes and pollination bumblebees. "We grow them for commercial agriculture, for protected crops like glasshouse vegetables, and also for field crops like berries such as blueberries or cranberries," says Hale. However, the Bug Factory has had to overcome a prevailing belief that biological control is just for greenhouse plants. Until recently most of the Bug Factories business for outdoor crops was in producing bees for pollination. In reality there are many field uses of Spring 2014 47

People are becoming more and more concerned about food quality… so it's a growing industry for both the biologicals and the pollination. Angie Hale

Photo by © Aetmeister | Dreamstime.com

biocontrol in crops such as cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, tunnel raspberries, squash and many others. Nematodes are commonly used in cranberries for cranberry girdler control and are beginning to be used for black vine weevil in blueberries and strawberries. Two-spotted spider mites can also be controlled in strawberries and raspberries with two predatory mites, Fallacis and Persimilis. Ladybugs, Lacewings and Aphidoletes are effective predators of aphids in many field crops including squash and blueberries.

In recent years, with the growth of organic production, the Bug Factory has seen rapid growth in their business for orchards, vineyards and field berries. "It's a relatively new industry," says Hale. "We've been growing insects since the 1980s but the last couple of years have seen a huge interest. People are becoming more and more concerned about food quality; more organic growing and more pesticide free growing, so it's a growing industry for both the biologicals and the pollination."

The other issue that's driven growth is the fact pests can become resistant to pesticides, whereas biological controls like predator insects maintain their effectiveness. The practice of using insects for biocontrol of pests is becoming popular in other areas as well, says Hale. "It always has been very popular in commercial agriculture, but more and more in urban landscaping. City planning and home gardening are the areas where there is still a lot of growth to take place." Now the business is all grown up and increasingly successful, even the Hale's daughter has begun to accept this unusual farm business. "She's 23 so she's kinda come to terms with it," Hale laughs. "She thinks it's pretty cool now!" ■ For more information on the Bug Factory, go to www.thebugfactory.ca

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The 'We Heart Local' Partnership Program If you run a farmgate operation selling local produce or products, you probably wish some giant organization would come in and help you market your products for free.

Well guess what? There's an app for that. And a website. And free marketing materials. All you have to do is apply. The 'We Heart Local' Partnership Program launched on Jan. 27 at the annual BC Agriculture Council Gala. It's literally a free program designed to market your products to the public in your area. The concept was brought to life by the BCAC and the BC Minister of Agriculture. Minister Pat Pimm says it is very much a marketing program designed to encourage people to find your business, and buy your products. "The We Heart Local campaign is helping folks discover and enjoy the huge variety of foods produced in B.C.," said Pimm. "The smart phone app, and increased promotion in stores and restaurants, will speak to tourists and locals alike, and help increase sales of B.C. foods." You can download the We Heart Local app to your iPhone, iPod, or iPad via the iTunes store. Users can search for nearby purveyors of locally produced products, check out recipes based on BC ingredients and check out what's in season locally. BCAC Chair Rhonda Driediger says the program was based on the successful experience of BC's seafood producers. "Much like the Ocean Wise program has driven support for sustainable seafood,

our goal with the We Heart Local Partnership Program is to drive the consumer movement towards supporting buying local food in BC," she said. For a farmgate operation or winery to be listed on the We Heart Local app and website, more than half of their products must be produced in BC, and they must sell directly to consumers. This includes processed foods, but only for processed foods that are processed and packaged entirely in BC. For example, if you have a market selling jams and jellies produced outside BC, you would not qualify. For those businesses that do qualify, you'll be featured on the We Heart Local app and website. Users will be able to find your business simply by searching for 'Nearby' businesses. As well, your business will receive 'We Heart Local' branding materials to use on menus, storefronts, ads, websites, and in your social media. "When businesses enlist in the We Heart Local Program, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be equipped with We Heart Local brand recognition, assuring consumers they supply and support local," says Driediger. "Without a doubt, the We Heart Local Program is something all participating businesses will be proud to be a part of." â&#x2013; For more information, or to apply for the program, go to: www.buylocaleatnatural.com

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Dwarf Trees, Huge Production

IFTA Conference Delegates Praise BC Growers The organizers of the 2014 International Fruit Tree Association Conference in Kelowna won a little 'Olympic glory' in February, as participants awarded them some gold medals made of Canadian Loonies.

While the organizers enjoyed their well-earned Loonie medals, IFTA board member Phil Schwallier was singing the praises of the local organizing committee. Schwallier is a grower, but is also the district horticultural agent for Michigan State University, and attends similar conferences on a regular basis. "This is one of the greatest conferences I have ever been to in my entire life," said Schwallier. "Not only were the stops on our tours wonderful, all our educational talks were wonderful, and most importantly the people were absolutely wonderful. "Canada is just a great place to visit!"

Photo by Gary Symons

"This may not be the Olympics, but you deserve some Olympic Gold!" shouted one out-of-town delegates as the organizers got the medals hung around their necks. "I don't know if it's real gold, but it's worth some real money," cracked another. "Almost a buck apiece down in the States!"

Kelowna grower Hank Markgraf (right) and the organizing committee for the IFTA conference pose with their impromptu 'Olympic' medals, made of valuable Canadian Loonies.

In fact, this year's conference may have set a record for attendance. The IFTA usually attracts about 275 growers every year, and sometimes up to 300, but this year's conference at the Delta Grand saw approximately 325 attendees.

Hank Markgraf, chair of the 2014 Program Committee, says it was gratifying to see the packed halls during the weeklong conference. "You are always cautious when you put a program together," Markgraf said. "You Spring 2014 51

"The IFTA is flat out the best tree fruit conference in the world. This yearâ&#x20AC;Ś they got the cutting edge researchers out from all over the world. Phil Schwallier hope it's going to be good for the speakers and good for the audience, but y'know, Monday was packed, standing room only, and today is a little bit less, but that's okay, you expect that on the third day." Markgraf is a local grower, works for the BC Tree Fruits Co-op, and is the Research chair at the BC Cherry Association. Before the conference he said his greatest goal was to get more local growers to the conference.

File photo

"We are up around the 325 mark this year and that's because we had so many late registrations from local growers," Markgraf said. "These are the guys we really wanted to get interested in this event, and that's great because that is also building up the membership of the IFTA." Schwallier said the attraction for local growers was in the high calibre of speakers at this year's event. "The IFTA is flat out the best tree fruit conference in the world," he said. "This year they first they got the cutting edge researchers out from all over the world, and second, attendees get to meet the great local people here, and learn and develop new friendships that last for a lifetime." Schwallier says the conference was equally successful for out of town delegates, particularly due to the orchard tours that make up a big part of the conference agenda. Unlike many conferences, at the IFTA delegates get out on the road and will visit local orchards. This year tours were set up from the North Okanagan all the way down to central Washington State.

52 Spring 2014

Schwallier says it was an eye-opening experience for many of the out-of-town orchardists. "To see the quality of the orchards that are grown here has been my biggest takeaway from the whole conference," says Schwallier. "BC, Canada has long been a leader in high-density apple production and the growers I've met here have been absolutely exceptional. "I mean, Michigan has a good reputation and we are the number three apple producing state, but we can always learn new things, and this has been a very good place to learn." â&#x2013;

FRUIT BANDITS Try to Steal Canadian Cherry Patents The soft-spoken CEO of the Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation (PICO) is not given to exaggeration, but Carlson says Canadian growers face serious challenges to their intellectual property. There have been three patent applications filed in the United States that challenge the Canadian patents on varieties like the recently unveiled Staccato cherry, and PICO has also discovered illegal plantings of Staccato cherries in four countries: the United States, Argentina, Turkey, and Spain. "Our first consideration is to protect Canadian growers, and our second is to protect the patent holder, or creator, which in most cases is the government of Canada," says Carlson. "This will be a scientific war." It is also a war with major implications

for Canadian growers. If growers in the US or China could grow the Canadian varieties unchecked, the market prices would crash and the income for Canadian growers would plummet. PICO's mission is to prevent that from happening. PICO is a fruit variety rights management company that licenses new varieties of tree fruits and berries. It has the exclusive rights for the distribution and commercialization of all varieties developed at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Summerland and Agassiz.

Photo by Gary Symons, Cherry photo by ÂŠ Alexstar | Dreamstime.com

Fruit growers are in for what Keith Carlson calls a global 'Scientific War' over new fruit varieties developed in Canada.

Growers are granted rights to these varieties by PICO, and in return the licensees pay licensing fees and royalties to the 'owner' through PICO. PICO is owned by the British Columbia Fruit Growers' Association, so it's revenues stay within the grower community. The problem now is that foreign growers are trying to horn in on the Canadian va

Keith Carlson at PICO booth in Kelowna. Spring 2014 53

Patent laws in the US have changed…We now have three patent applications in the US where they have tried to steal our varieties. Keith Carlson

"One of the issues we are facing is that the patent laws in the US have changed from belonging to the inventor, to instead belonging to the first person to make the application," Carlson explains. "We now have three patent applications in the US where they have tried to steal our varieties, and it is the same situation in Europe." PICO is undertaking a multipronged strategy to combat the intellectual property theft of Canadian research and development. First, Carlson says PICO is arranging to license foreign growers in a variety of countries for very limited plantings of the Canadian varieties; small enough so it doesn't compete with Canadian exports, but large enough to make it worth the local government's time to enforce PICO's licensing rules. "It is very difficult to protect any variety," Carlson says. "We are working with our partners around the world to ensure that

Photo by Stephanie Symons

rieties, without paying the licensing fee. Unchecked, this could drastically undermine the Canadian growers ability to compete on higher priced fruits like Ambrosia apples, Staccato cherries, Saanich raspberries or Stolo strawberries.

Robbie Westgard at the Ambrosia booth at the Pacific Agriculture Show. The successful Ambrosia is a target of intellectual property theft.

these illegal plantings are not springing up everywhere. "Yes, there will be some production of our varieties in countries we ship to, but it will be very limited, and we will still be able to ship there." Secondly, PICO has filed its own patents in the US, Canada and internationally. And thirdly, PICO and PARC are doing DNA fingerprinting on all new varieties developed in Canada. This way, if a competing nation tries to contend it developed a variety, PICO can show that variety was originally developed in Canada. ■

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BCFGA Elects Experience and Media Savvy The BC Fruit Growers Association looked for experience and media savvy in a new president this year, voting in former vicepresident Fred Steele over incumbent Jeet Dukhia. Steele served as VP until 2011 under then-president Joe Sardinha, a highly regarded leader who successfully piloted the BCFGA for many years. In the Feb. 15 election, a coalition of farmers worked to draft Steele as a presidential nominee, and corralled the votes he needed to win.

Photo by Gary Symons

"It was a diverse group who came together and put aside their own differences to work for positive change," said Steele. "I did not fully intend to run for the presidency until people came to me and said, will you do something? I think people wanted to have more rejuvenation of the association." The coalition may also have been looking for more stability. Dukhia, a cherry orchardist from Vernon, stepped in to assume control of the BCFGA after the tumultuous and short-lived leadership of Kirpal Boparai. He resigned the presidency in December, 2012, after he broke ties with the Okanagan Tree Fruit Co-operative.

Growers vote in Fred Steele as President at the BCFGA AGM.

Dukhia was seen as a moderate who brought stability back to the BCFGA, and defeated Steele in an election just one year ago.

Complete Results for the 2014 BCFGA Election

However, not everyone was happy with the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance over the past year.

Bhupinder Dhaliwal, Oliver, Vice-President

Growers suffered losses of up to $18 million after hail storms in the Central and North Okanagan, and a bout of severe frost in the South Okanagan. The BCFGA's attempt to access federal disaster relief failed, and prior to the election, the future of crop insurance dominated discussion.

Sukhdeep Brar, Summerland, South District

As well, Dukhia had said he secured a verbal commitment from Premier Christy Clark to restore the subsidy for replanting programs, but that funding announcement has not yet materialized.

Sukhdev Goraya, Kelowna, North District

Fred Steele, Kelowna, President Peter Simonsen, Penticton, South District Ravinder Bains, Keremeos, South District Surjit Nagra, Kelowna, North District Niel Dendy, Kelowna, North District

and communications background that would help the BCFGA improve its public image, and wrestle a better deal from government.

The election did not fall on a difference in platform, as both Steele and Dukhia agreed on all of the critical issues. Rather, growers appeared to feel Steele had a better chance of solving some of the bigger problems facing growers this year.

"The first (priority) is to continue with a long-term, 10 years or more replant program, and the second one is we have to ensure that farmers are covered from one end of the season to the other," Steele said. "We have some proposals we can put

In a well-crafted speech, Steele pointed out he has a media

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Spring 2014 55

forward to do that." Steele believes his long career in radio broadcasting will help boost the growers’ image. Previous president Joe Sardinha was frequently features in the media and on programs with the CBC. Steele says providing a strong public voice for growers will be critical in dealing with government on a range of issues. In addition to crop insurance and replanting, Steele said there are several issues that need addressing in the next 12 months. Among them: • Working with the BC government on the Core Review of the Agricultural Land Reserve; • Ensuring orchardists’ water needs are considered in the renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty; Richmond Va: Penticton BC: Vancouver Island:

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• Lobbying for federal subsidies to build washrooms for fruit industry workers; • Lobbying against the acceptance of the Arctic Apple, a genetically modified fruit developed by Okanagan Specialty Fruits. Of those issues, Steele says the ALR review is the most critical, as it will define agriculture for decades to come. "I’m hoping that what they’ll do is take a look at it and not diminish the value of farmland in British Columbia," Steele said. "You don’t want to be taking prime land out of production." That said, Steele supports the idea of doing a review, and believes Agriculture Pat Pimm is right to say some parcels of land should be excluded from the ALR. "What happened years ago, and the reason we are having a core review at this time ... is the ALR came into being and no one wanted to change anything because you would have protests on either side," he said. "So what ends up happening is it becomes a sacred cow and no one will discuss anything. "There are pieces of land in this province that maybe shouldn’t have been in there, and there are other pieces of land that are not in there that should have been, and those are things you need to look at as well." ■

56 Spring 2014

Reforming Liquor Law in B.C. By Michael Botner Big changes are coming for BC Liquor Laws; perhaps the biggest changes since prohibition was repealed in 1921. Attending the fifth annual seminar on Wine & Liquor Law in B.C. brought home the staggering scope of reforms proposed in John Yap's Final Report on the government's impressively participatory Liquor Policy Review. These are heady days for BC wineries, craft brewers, artisan distillers, event and festival organizers, hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, arenas and theatres, and even, hopefully, consumers. Beneficiaries of more open, streamlined regulations include the tourism industry as a key driver of employment in the province, as well as BC's all-important agricultural sector which supplies grapes and many other types of fruit, hops, honey, herbs and the like to BC processors.

to the expansion of the provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agritourism industry." Targeting wineries, breweries and distilleries with tasting rooms, Recommendation #27 proposes eliminating the need to apply for a specific endorsement for "low-risk" tasting venues such as picnic areas. In #28, manufacturers are given license to offer liquor not produced onsite, such as beer at a winery. It could be that Yap was thinking of the convoluted process Tinhorn Creek Vine-

yards and Summerhill Pyramid Winery endured in order to obtain a Food Primary license when he inserted #29. It makes the sensible recommendation that government work with the Agricultural Land Commission to amend ALR rules "to allow more people in consumption areas and to sell liquor that was not produced on site." "We wanted to act like a real restaurant, an adult restaurant, and sell beer and spirits at Miradoro," Oldfield says.

We must do everything we can to work with other provinces to create wide open borders for Canadian wine. Sandra Oldfield

The changes may not be positive for all the players in the liquor industry. Private liquor stores may be blind-sided by promised wine kiosks or whatever "separated" outlet format finally gets the green light for selling wine and beer in grocery stores. Experts at the symposium do note the government will move slowly on the introduction of liquor to grocery stores, saying it will be phased in gradually. Another big question is the issue of what to do about the distribution monopoly, which is considered inefficient, and the BC liquor stores, many of which are not cost effective. However, this does not seem to be of great concern to a government with more urgent priorities. Of 73 recommendations adopted by the government, several have the potential to benefit wineries, breweries and distilleries by "streamlining" licensing rules and regulations around sampling and sales, and promoting BC products. The Yap Report concurs with many stakeholders that "the current liquor licensing process around allowing people to sample B.C. liquors is unduly complex and rigid" and "this is a significant marketing challenge for producers, which are small businesses, and a significant impediment

Spring 2014 57

As well, Yap wants the government to consult with industry "to review the minimum requirements to obtain a brewery, winery or distillery license"… and how they are regulated by the LDB and LCLB. Coming out of the dark ages would also mean allowing producers to offer its products for sample and sale at farmer’s markets (#31) and allowing secondary tasting rooms (#32).

Photo by Michael Botner

Oldfield agreed: "Although it makes no significant impact on sales, we see real value having a booth at farmer’s markets so people equate wine with food." For secondary tasting rooms, she adds, "We would like a secondary tasting room in Oliver but run by someone else," she adds. Commenting on the growing supply of grapes and wine – he used the word "oversupply" – Miles Prodan, executive director of the BC Wine Institute, says: "Finally, we have the quantities to expand our growth." Oldfield stressed the importance of Continued on page 59

Sandra Oldfield (left) lays out the new legal landscape for liquor.

The B.C. Agricultural Research & Development Corporation invites you to learn more about British Columbia’s Environmental Farm Plan Program.

DO YOU HAVE AN ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN? Almost 4,000 B.C. farms and ranches have an Environmental Farm Plan. The Environmental Farm Plan Program is a free, confidential and voluntary program that is bolstering Canada’s reputation as a grower and supplier of safe, high-quality foods that are produced in an environmentally responsible manner. Learn More About The Environmental Farm Plan Program For More Information: Jaclyn Laic, Senior Program Manager B.C. Agriculture Research & Development Corporation 604.854.4483 jlaic@ardcorp.ca www.ardcorp.ca

58 Spring 2014

Continued from page 58

rising ecommerce and direct to consumer sales: "We must do everything we can to work with other provinces to create wide open borders for Canadian wine." The next few years should be interesting.

LTD.

Many of the issues facing the craft brewing and artisan distilling sectors mirror those of the BC wine industry after Free Trade in the 1990s. In #25, Yap recommends the establishment of quality assurance programs (along the lines of VQA) for craft beer and artisan distilled spirits. Ken Beattie, executive director of the BC Craft Brewers Guild which represents fifty BC-owned and operated breweries and brewpubs, says that the government should actively promote the craft beer industry, pointing to Oregon’s active support as a model. Rather than allowing growlers (refillable jugs) in liquor stores (#68), the industry would prefer "exclusivity for Growler sales and filling stations at the Craft Brewery," to ensure freshness. The Guild would like the government to consider offering tax incentives for beers made with "BC only" ingredients and removal of mark-ups for all craft beers coming directly from the source. Growth in the sector has led to a resurgence in hop farming. It makes perfect sense because "the best place for hop farming is the 49th parallel," he explains. To get the mark-up advantage, craft distilleries have to use 100% B.C. ingredients. That is a problem, according to industry spokesmen Rick Pipes, distiller and co-owner at Merridale Ciderworks and Artisan Distillery, Peter Hunt, master distiller at Victoria Spirits, and Charles Tremewen, owner of Long Table Distillery. "The definition of a craft spirit should be changed to match other jurisdictions south of the border," says Hunt. Allowing neutral grain spirits combined with a sliding mark-up system would put us on an equal footing," he adds. ■

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 EDITOR’S VIEW | GARY SYMONS

Cherry Growers Pave Way for China Exports

herry growers could be excused for being a little disheartened. They just learned they have to go through another year for the pilot program on exporting cherries to China. Last summer, two inspectors from China spent weeks enjoying the sunny Okanagan Valley, while creating an extremely strict regimen for inspections of BC cherry exports. As April Ingraham of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency points out, cherry growers thought they’d met all the requirements at the end of that pilot ... but apparently, China is not quite satisfied. While this is frustrating for the growers, itching to get into that massive Chinese market, the good news outweighs the bad. It’s expected the CFIA will be able to meet the requirements this time out - barring some catastrophic event - and

the doors will open to an export market of more than 1 billion people.

the way for other growers to more easily meet the requirements.

If the deal goes through, as expected, by next year BC cherry exports could be bringing in $10 million into the Okanagan Valley, or about 25 per cent of total sales. In five years exports are predicted to hit $20 million; basically half of all revenue from cherry production. As well, cherries sell for higher prices in China, so there is a much better profit margin on the crop. Last year, a five kilogram box was fetching more than $100, or $20 a kilo.

It’s now expected the blueberry growers will be next to gain an export license, and if that happens, we think it’s only fair they buy their cherry growing compatriots a cold cherry cider!

So, you can see why cherry growers are eager to finish this arduous process, but what is even more important is the overall impact on BC agriculture. In fact, it would be fair to say the growers of other crops owe the cherry growers a huge debt for their perseverance in moving the export deal forward.

What the cherry growers have done is laudable; a long, patient campaign to overcome every hurdle and break down every obstacle between Canadian farmers and the largest single export market in the world.

It is now going on eight years that the cherry export agreement has been in the works. The cherry growers and the packing houses have worked long and hard to meet the expectation of Chinese inspectors, and they have paved

Agrifood exports to China have been growing, but not that quickly, and Canada actually fell behind some other countries like Chile and the US, both of which were very quick to address issues about pests coming over the border in fruit shipments.

What’s important now is not to focus on the remaining obstacles but the goal on the other side. When you look at other industries like logging, and see how they have profited by opening the Chinese market, it’s easy to see the potential for Canadian agriculture.

Consider that just a decade ago, lumber shipments to China from BC totaled just $58 million. After 10 years of working with the Chinese and Canadian governments, lumber shipments today were more than $1.3 billion. Similarly, the unspoken promise from this program is the future impact on BC agriculture as a whole. BC producers face stiff competition in domestic and US markets, which often leaves some sectors nailed hard by low prices. In some cases, for example with apple growers a few years ago, the prices were so low it was cheaper to leave the fruit on the tree. Cherry growers have proven to be the thin edge of a wedge that is cracking open a major export market that commands higher prices for BC products. Thanks to this hard work, the entire BC agricultural community may become much more viable and sustainable in the years to come. ■ Gary Symons is the editor of Orchard & Vine. Send your thoughts or comments to editor@orchardandvine.net.

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 GUEST COLUMN | ALEXANDER THISTLEWOOD

Summerland Swap Shows Why ALC Needed often follow to the long-term detriment of the province’s agricultural base."

the Ministry of Agriculture, while expanding the land use decision-making powers of the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission.

he debate over the socalled ‘Land Swap’ in Summerland represents a glimpse into the future of a province where the independent Agricultural Land Commission could lose its autonomy from government.

Last November, The Globe and Mail reported the provincial government is considering "effectively dismantling" the ALC by bringing it into

Politicians making expedient and short-sighted decisions? That is exactly what is happening in Summerland right now. And if not for the ALC, they would probably get away with it.

Around the same time, Richard Bullock, Chair of the Land Commission, spoke to the purpose of the Agricultural Land Reserve at a meeting of the BC Institute of Agrologists in Victoria: "The ALR exists because British Columbia has long recognized that ALR land [would] succumb every time anyone proposed a development on particular land that proponents and politicians viewed on an ad hoc basis as being more economically favourable than the current land use; expedient and even short-sighted decisions would

The local Council is backing a new Official Community Plan that would reverse years of community consultation and multiple community plans that have concentrated residential development on hillsides around Summerland in order to preserve for agriculture the flat, farming-friendly lands at the bottom of those hills.

Under the proposed plan, over 80 hectares of some of Summerland’s best farming land would be removed from the ALR to be developed into housing. To compensate, Council wants to add just over 90 hectares of rocky, hilly land to the ALR— much of which was deemed "marginal" for agriculture ten years ago when it was removed from the ALR to make way for a failed development west of town. Two Councillors own some of the land that would be swapped out of the Land Reserve and have recused themselves from voting on the matter. I am a part of a group called

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Spring 2014 61

Stop the Swap that has organized to protest the plan. We are young, we have a stake in the future of Summerland, and we have the support of the majority of our community. Of all the input the District of Summerland has solicited from the public, opposition to the plan has outnumbered support by a proportion of 4-1. We have collected nearly 3,000 signatures to our petition to stop the swap, including 1,200 from Summerland alone (it can be found online at you.leadnow.ca). In February, we held a rally attended by many hundreds of supporters and endorsed by the Farmland Protection Coalition, who held a rally of their own on the same day in front of the Parliament Buildings in Victoria. The next month, so many concerned people came out to the Public Hearing regarding the land swap that Council had to schedule a second one after at least 50 people were left outside the 270-person venue. Despite this large-scale opposition to the plan, Council has already voted once in favour of it at the time of writing and all indications are that they will not change their minds. At the latest Council meeting, Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino said of the opposition that the public must be misinformed. "We have several Councillors in favour of this plan and we have several staff who are in favour of this plan," said Perrino. "The community just does not understand." We very much understand the value of farming land and the role of a Land Reserve to protect it. Our group is hopeful Council will listen to the people, but if they do not the ultimate decision will fall to the ALC. That’s why a strong independent ALC is so important. Without it, this decision would be left to elected officials like the ones in Summerland. That is not a fate anyone, in Summerland or anywhere else in BC, should let stand. ■ Alexander Thistlewood is a thirty year-old Summerlander and a founding member of Stop the Swap. This is an opinion article and does not represent the opinions of Orchard and Vine. If you’d like to submit an opinion article, send your request to editor@orchardandvine.net

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 THE WORD ON WINE | BC WINE INSTITUTE

2013 Vintage a Return to Greatness in BC ment of the grapes and we had really good quantity as well." Hanson is particularly excited about the flavours of his 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Derek Kontkanen, white winemaker for Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate explained the spectacular summer.

fter several arduous years fraught with challenging vintages, hard winters and overall reduced crops, it is a pleasure to see that harvest levels are returning to normal. In 2012, the total reported tonnage was 30,100 and in 2013 that number is looking closer to 33,000.

ui tsq

Vista D’Oro in the Fraser Valley reports they harvested their estate Maréchal Foch on October 12 at 22 Brix, which Owner/Winemaker Patrick Murphy crushed and pressed the same day to create their light style red. Murphy notes that it was the most humid summer in years, which wreaked a bit of havoc with their white varieties. In addition to their Langley fruit, Vista D’Oro receives fruit from the Cowichan and Similkameen Valleys as well and reports excellent Pinot Noir from the Island and "some of the best Foch we’ve ever seen" from Olalla.

In the Similkameen Valley, Seven Stones winery picked their first grapes on October 2. Owner and winemaker George Hanson rates this vintage as a 10 out of 10 noting it was "One of the best vintages we’ve ever had at Seven Stones.

On Vancouver Island, Glenterra Vineyards started their harvest in the first week of October. Owner John Kelly noted the overall growing season was good with bud break

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Rolf de Bruin, Owner of Fort Berens Estate Winery in Lillooet reports an overall good season. "It started off great with a much warmer than average spring. April and May were particularly warmer, which accelerated planted development in early stages. We are now in our fifth leaf, so it’s great to have a nice, easy start for the vines when root development is happening." After the warm spring, summer was average, with no heat spikes to stop ripening, so the vines saw good continual development. In late summer, early September, de Bruin explains that the pressure from diseases and pests was greater than normal

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The outstanding summer weather in 2013 led to the earliest start to the BC grape harvest on record, with the first grapes for table wine picked by Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate (Sauvignon Blanc from their Bear Cub vineyard) on August 27, more than a week ahead of the 2012 vintage that started on September 7.

"This is my tenth vintage here and it’s great to see a return to more normal Okanagan-like weather, similar to 2008 and 2009, with a warm and consistent growing season," Kontkanen said. "When looking at the numbers, so far this season is shaping up to be a very good vintage. The flavour profile of our first varietal to come in Sauvignon Blanc is just what we’re aiming to achieve — grassy, grapefruit and tangerine tropical notes, along with good balance of sugar and acidity."

right on schedule, which was a nice change from previous vintages. There was a bit of rain through early September, which burned off in October for a clear harvest. Kelly is particularly excited about the quality of his Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc.

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with lots of wasps in particular. Luckily, the weather cooled in September which slowed them down. Harvest at Fort Berens began on September 21 with their Pinot Noir, followed by Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The white harvest was on par with 2012, where the reds came in nearly two weeks earlier than last year. Rolf is particularly excited about the Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. "We did some single bunching this year with the potential of creating a reserve pinot," Rolf said. "I’m also very excited about our Cabernet Franc. We were just amazed by the flavours. Overall, everything is tasting really nice." Even with a soggy end to the season and numerous battles with wasps, vintners across the province are excited about the both quality and quantity this vintage. Some of the standout varietals for 2013 look to be Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. ■ The BC Wine Institute represents 119 winery members and 17 grape growing partners that represent 95% of the province’s total wine production and produce 88% of wine production made from 100% B.C. grapes. www.winebc.com

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 WORLD WINE WEB | MIKE COOPER

Upsell Without Looking Like Used Car Salesman or embarrassed about it. The fact is that if your product doesn’t sell you won’t be in business and if you are the one responsible for making those sales happen, you’re a salesman!

hen someone asks, 'What you do for a living', what do you tell them? Chances are you might say you’re an orchardist, a wine maker, a barrel maker, a candle stick maker or one of many other titles, none of which include "salesman". But, no matter what title you give yourself, you are a salesman. Let me repeat that, you are a salesman! It’s ok though, you don’t need to feel sleazy

We all know and dislike that cliché of the used car salesman, or the vacuum salesman who came to your door in the 80’s trying to push something on you that you really didn’t want. The key to being a good salesman today is knowing that you don’t need to portray that image to be good at sales. In fact I am positive that the further you are from being one of those examples the better you will be at connecting with your customer. In our last column we learned

a lesson on upselling from a clown and how simply asking "Would you like fries with that?" helped build an empire of fast food restaurants. We also gave some great examples of how to price your products to encourage upsells. If you missed that article I urge you to find that issue and give it a read, or look for it on www.orchardandvine. net. This time I want to go a step further and give some practical ideas on how to encourage upsells and make it effortless, or dare I say, even fun.

Remember, a small extra sale with each customer adds up to a lot at the end of the year.

To be effective at upselling requires patience, detailed observation, resilience and some skill. Here are five tips to help you get a little more revenue from each customer.

2. Get your customers talking by asking them open-ended questions. You don’t want their response to be "yes" or "no". You can’t learn anything about them, how they

1. Get people talking, People love it when you show interest in them. The better the conversation, the longer a customer stays in the store, the more they tend to spend and the greater the chance they’ll become a repeat customer. Conversation helps build a relationship, showcases your product knowledge and makes the customer feel like you’re their friend instead of a salesperson. How, though?

Spring 2014 65

plan to use your product or how much they’re able to spend if all you can get out of them is a yes or no. This process will reveal products or services that the customers didn’t intend to buy. Try asking questions like: What are you planning to use this product for? How will you be using this product? How often will you be using this product? What kind of budget did you have in mind on spending on this product?

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3. Suggest products and accessories your customers need. The answers to your open-ended questions will help you suggest products the customer might need to solve a problem they expressed during your conversation. If you’re suggesting a more expensive product than the one they came to the store to purchase, always explain its features, benefits and why this product is better suited to fulfill their needs. Not every upselling story has a happy ending. How you handle rejection can send a message to the customer about how genuine your recommendations really were. 4. Let your customers use their senses. Having a sample product out that people can smell, touch or taste makes a sale a lot easier than trying to convince them they need to purchase it. The sample product you are going to get in their hands should be your premium product. You want them to be wowed by that product! That way when they go to see a lower model of the product they immediately see the difference and are more compelled to want the higher end product because they know what they will be missing if they sacrifice for the lower model. 5. Close the sale the same way you started it Remember how friendly you were when they came in? Act the same way throughout the entire transaction, tell them your name and don’t forget to thank them for shopping at your business before they leave. Upselling does not need to be an uncomfortable task. By having the right tactics in place you can make sure it’s easy, fun, and eventually, it becomes part of your routine. ■ Mike Cooper is the owner of Black Mountain Media. See what Black Mountain does at: www.blackmountainmedia.ca or send Mike a note at: mike@blackmountainmedia.ca You can also call: 778-214-0519

For the Latest News on the Industry visit www.orchardandvine.net

• NEWS • FUNDING & PROGRAMS • EDUCATION • OPINIONS • BLOGS • PROGRAMS • COMMENTS • DIRECTORY 66 Spring 2014

 THE WILD THINGS | MARGARET HOLM

Rats! This Eternal Pest has Moved to the Interior

hen sailing ships brought explorers and settlers to British Columbia, they unfortunately also brought rats and mice. For a hundred years or more the large Norway Rat and Black Rat species were confined to coastal areas, but in the past decade, the smaller Black Rat has spread to the interior of the province and is a new problem in urban and rural areas. The black rat, or roof rat, has a tail that is longer than its body. It nests in sheds and attics and is an excellent climber, using pipes, wood siding and wires to clamber into small holes and chew through plastic vent covers and screens to gain access.

A pair of black rats can produce six litters a year, so you definitely want to be prepared if you have heard that rats are living in your region. Trapping is effective for small populations and is the preferred method over the use of poisoned bait, which can harm non-target animals such as domestic pets, hawks, owls and snakes. Since snakes and raptors are doing us a favour by preying on rodents, we should make sure that our pest control methods are not harming these native animals.

make sure the space is large enough for the mechanism to snap and to be easily set again.

Rodent control for all species involves controlling food attractants, limiting access to buildings for nesting and shelter, and having snap traps set in key locations. Snap traps are a safer and better choice than using poisoned bait. Rats require the use of a larger snap trap designed for their body size. Ideally the trap is placed in corners along inside walls. Ideally the traps are enclosed in plastic tubing or a wooden box. Two traps facing out are effective but

Rats like fresh foods and will reject spoiled or rancid food. They are also smart and find ways to steal from traps. Rodent food bait, such as a slice of fruit or vegetable with peanut butter, should be placed securely on the trip mechanism or even wired on. Check the traps daily and leave them in place as a preventative measure even after rodents are trapped out.

The best practice is to make your property unattractive to rodents by being aware of food sources and building access points. Keep garbage and edibles in containers with tight-filling lids. Place traps under lumber, pallets and debris which are common nest spots as well as sheds. Based on field tests, ultrasonic devices have insufficient repellency to merit use. If preventive control measures and trapping are not adequate, poison baits may be necessary. Treated baits

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Spring 2014 67

should be placed in covered, tamperresistant bait stations or in locations not accessible to children, pets, wildlife or domestic animals. Bait stations can be built or may be purchased commercially. Entry holes should be sized for target animal, no larger and interior baffles or small openings should prevent people from touching the bait. Lastly, anchor the bait stations to the ground and flag. Never scatter bait outside a bait station or rodent burrow. Make sure the bait stations are checked regularly and dispose of dead animals daily to prevent other animals from being attracted to and eating the carcass.

To reduce exposure of non-target birds and other wildlife to poisoned carcasses, dead rodents should be securely wrapped and placed in closed containers for disposal or buried to a depth that will make them inaccessible to scavengers.

poisonous meal for snakes and raptors. Some rodent populations have become resistant to certain poisons. Snap traps may require a bit more effort but it’s safer and supports species doing rodent control the natural way.

Sadly, recent studies of Great Horned Owl and Red-tailed Hawk carcasses found in locations across Canada, showed significant levels of anticoagulant rodenticide chemicals in the livers of the dead raptors. Researchers estimate that use of rodenticides is an unintended but significant threat to hawks and owls. Since rodents may need several feedings of bait before they succumb, they can become a

Check out "Living with Wildlife", a series of nine wildlife management guides for agriculture published with the support of the BC Agriculture Council at http://osca.org "Living with Wildlife" pages. ■ Margaret Holm works for the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance. Contact her at outreach@osca.org.

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 LEGAL LIBATIONS | DENESE ESPEUT-POST

Power of Attorney: A Powerful but Dangerous Tool enduring POA means the POA will remain in effect and usable once the adult becomes incapable. A specific POA is a Power of Attorney limited in subject matter (e.g. limited to certain real property) or in time (e.g. valid to a certain date). It is important to remember the attorney you appoint acts as your agent and their power is limited by the authority you give to them in the POA document.

care. But the reality is that it may happen to you. If it does, what happens to the business you have been working so hard to grow and prosper? A POA is there to address such situations.

ouble-edged sword. This is one way to describe a power of attorney (POA). Many people think of this legal tool as a dangerous weapon and decide against preparing a POA. However, the practical benefits cannot be disputed. Rather than avoiding a POA altogether, let’s talk about ways to turn this potential double-edged sword into a planning tool. You should sleep well at night knowing that your personal and business needs will be met should you become mentally or physically incapable. You may be thinking this will never happen to you. You will never get into a car accident that may put you into a coma or cause a brain injury requiring months of medical

As a small business owner, I know what it is like to be absolutely everything for your business…the office manager, the bookkeeper, the janitor, the receptionist; the list goes on and on. If something happens to you, who will have access to your business accounts? Who will pay your business’ bills? Who has the authority to deal with your suppliers and clients? Who will manage your staff? Who is the "boss" going to be if it can’t be you?

A POA becomes more like a double-edged sword if your attorney abuses the powers you have given to them. Subject to some restrictions at law and the restrictions you impose upon your attorney, your attorney can act on your behalf in relation to your financial affairs just as you can. This means that unless your attorney manages your business matters (and personal matters) carefully, the value of your assets may decline. There is also a risk that your attorney will abuse their authority and use some or all of your assets for their own personal benefit or the benefit of others.

Whether your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership or private corporation (especially if you are the sole director and majority shareholder), these are matters you must think about. A POA allows an adult to grant another person (the attorney) the power to handle their financial and legal affairs. An

To lessen these risks, it is important to appoint someone you trust and who is dependable. If this person will be responsible for business matters, appoint someone who is knowledgeable in your business. You should also have a frank discussion with this person about assuming this important role for you because there is no point in choosing someone who will not assume the role. You also have the option of choosing more than one attorney and requiring either a unanimous or majority decision amongst multiple attorneys. Speak to your lawyer about preparing your POA and the options available to you when granting powers to your attorney. ■ Denese Espeut-Post is an Okanagan-based lawyer and owns Avery Law Office. Her primary areas of practice include wine and business law. She also teaches the wine law courses at Okanagan College.

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 SPONSORED ARTICLE

Shippers Supply Develops New PLU Label

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ou wouldn’t normally think of a shipping supply company as being innovative – especially one that has been around for more than 38 years. Then again, you haven’t met Ron Brown – founder and President at Shippers Supply.

"These bottles hold precious cargo and need proper protection," says Bullock. "We listened and have committed to an in-house stock program of wine shippers which include the boxes and molded pulp inserts to ship multiple bottles of wine at a time.

"Change is constant; we are always seeking ways to be ahead of the curve, to anticipate the needs of our customers," Brown says. A good example is the new PLU labels just developed by Shippers Supply for the fruit industry. The Shippers Supply branch in Kelowna was called upon to find a label solution for a fruit grower in the Okanagan. In BC, every piece of fruit carries a small ‘Price Look Up’ peel-off label to identify the product and grower. "Growers were finding that the label rolls were snapping in the automated labelling machines," says Chuck Bullock, the local branch manager in Kelowna. "Perfectly good labels were being tossed in the garbage causing a lot of waste and costing them hardearned money each year." So Shippers Supply developed a product which replaced the easily-torn paper backing material for labels with a poly material that does not break during the labelling process. "The bottom line is, we saved the customer time and money," says Bullock. "We worked closely with the customer, did several trials of different material and found the one that worked best for what they need."

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Having a local branch right in the Okanagan means shorter lead times as well as smaller minimum orders. "Normally these labels are produced in California which means the lead time can be upwards of 6 weeks and you have to order hundreds of thousands at a time," says Bullock. "We are capable of getting custom labels to our customers in less than half the time and in lot sizes that reflect the quantity they actually need." Shippers Supply was originally established in 1975 as a box company and has since grown to be the go-to place to source for all packaging and warehouse products. "It was a natural progression," says Brown. "My customers needed tape to close their boxes, hand trucks to move their product and racking to store their inventory." Today, Shippers Supply stocks more than 5,000 different products on their shelves and sources thousands of nonstocked products for customers in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

"We’ve done our research and have sourced the best suppliers locally as well as globally. Our product mix is unrivalled in the industry," says Brown. Distribution is not Shippers’ main focus, however. Their 160,000 square foot facility in Edmonton, Alberta houses some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in Western Canada. "We manufacture the boxes, labels, tags and material handling equipment right here. Do you want one or do you want 10,000? Printed or plain? Since we make the product, we have the flexibility to provide our customers what they really need." That flexibility allowed Shippers Supply to develop their own custom wine-shipper program. Wineries ship thousands of bottles of wine annually to customers all over the world, and needed an easier way to send the highly breakable bottles. After ongoing consultation with local wineries, Bullock saw a gap in the market; a convenient and cost-effective

"By stocking these locally, wineries have instant access to the wine shippers we keep right on the shelf. No large minimums and no wait time. It’s what we do." With more than 10 years presence in the Okanagan, Shippers Supply is part of the local business community. "Let’s face it - it’s a great place to be," Bullock says. "Over the years we have built a solid reputation as being the onestop shop for shipping supplies, packaging, and pretty much everything our customer needs in their warehouse. "People walk into our branch showroom and are shocked at the diversity and just the sheer amount of products we sell. Don’t just take my word for it. Come on in – let us prove what we’re capable of." Shippers Supply Inc has 10 showrooms and stocked warehouses across Western Canada. They can be reached in Kelowna at 250- 762-8484 or toll free at 1-800-6615639. Visit their website at shipperssupply.com

YOU TAKE PRIDE IN THE EFFORT AND METHODS YOU USE TO BRING A QUALITY PRODUCT TO YOUR CUSTOMER.

SO DOES SHIPPERS SUPPLY.

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For 38 years, Shippers Supply has partnered with customers to contain, protect and identify their products in the market. We manufacture and customize the labels, boxes, tags, carts... the solutions you need.

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