Orchard & Vine Magazine Spring 2015 by Before & After Media

2015 BUYERS' GUIDE Arctic Apple Approved How Wine Came to Lillooet Growth in Similkameen Wineries The Family That Farms Together...

Spring 2015 $6.95

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“ FCC is key to our company

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Regulars 6 Publisher's View – Lisa Olson 8 Calendar 11 News & Events

2015 BUYERS’ GUIDE

59 The Legal Vine – David M. Brown 61 Word on Wine – Miles Prodan 63 People Talk – Barbara Ashton 65 Seeds of Growth – Fred Steele Buyers' Guide Page 25. 4

Spring 2015

Riesling Muscat in the Lillooet - Lytton test

Features 23 Arctic Apple Approved for Sale 25 Annual Buyers' Guide 45 Forstbauer Family's Farming Love Affair 48 Grapes Flourish in the Lillooet - Lytton Region 53 PARC Rootstock Research Results 57 B.C. Wine at the Farmers' Market

Photo by Ronda Payne

Cover photo of Corcelettes Estate Winery Winemaker Charlie Baessler and his wife Jesce. Photo by Michael Botner.

area. Page 48.

Mary Forstbauer with a lovable potato. Page 45

Spring 2015

 PUBLISHER’S VIEW | LISA OLSON

New Word = More Fun Times

Vol. 56, No 2 Spring 2015

Most days we can tend go along day after day doing similar jobs and tasks without much thought or inspiration. Those days are necessary to complete the tasks assigned to us or that we have assigned to ourselves, perhaps by previous inspiration.

One of my favourite people that I see from time to time and admire from afar is Mary Forstbauer from Forstbauer Family Farm, who we wrote about in this issue. Mary is involved in many activities that might go unnoticed, she has farming in her blood and in her heart, along with being a wife, and mother to 12

Publisher Lisa Olson Graphic Design Stephanie Symons Contributors Barb Aguiar, Barbara Ashton, Michael Botner, David M.Brown, Kim Elsasser, Dr. Cheryl Hampson, Darcy Nybo, Ronda Payne Miles Prodan, Fred Steele John Vielvoye Photo by Kim Elsasser

The other day I heard the word, ‘liberating’, I hadn’t thought about that word for a long time. Maybe, I hadn’t used it since the 70’s, I’m not sure. I tend to use the word inspiration a lot, which is a word I love to fit into my thoughts and life, me being an idea type person. But then, I started thinking of times where I’ve felt liberated and how good those times felt. Try it yourself. When was the last time you felt liberated? For me it’s been fun times like, riding a roller coaster, swinging on a rope swing into the river, swimming in a cold Okanagan Lake in mid October when the beach was empty, playing hooky from school (not recommended) and driving freely in a convertible. There were other times as well and some to do with work. All in all it made me think of more fun ways to bring that feeling into my days.

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Sales & Marketing Holly Thompson Circulation info@orchardandvine.net

children. It’s a feel good story, you’ll see once you read it.

Orchard & Vine Magazine Ltd.

It’s another great issue including new things to learn; from addiction in the workplace to how the Lillooet grape project got started and new wineries being born along with a wide array of quality suppliers and service providers inside the Buyers Guide that help keep this industry flourishing.

1576 West Kelowna Road West Kelowna, B.C., V1Z 3H5 E-mail: info@orchardandvine.net www.orchardandvine.net Phone: 250-769-2123 Fax: 1-866-433-3349

Remember to do something that makes you feel liberating!

Orchard & Vine Magazine is published six

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:

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

Spring 2015

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

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

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

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POWERFUL, FLEXIBLE DISEASE MANAGEMENT. DuPont™ Fontelis fungicide helps build the fexible, broad spectrum disease management program you need to protect your high-value fruit and vegetable crops. With its group 7 formulation you’ll get residual, preventative and post-infection control over key diseases including apple scab, powdery mildew, botrytis and many other important diseases. ®

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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 trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

Spring 2015

Photo by Gary Symons

 SPRING | CALENDAR

Tinhorn Creek Crush Club Wine Tasting event.

Spring Okanagan Wine Festival April 30 – May 10 Various Locations, BC www.thewinefestivals.com Bloom BC VQA Spring Release May 27 – Victoria 2-5pm May 28 – Vancouver 2-5pm www.winebc.org/events 6th Annual Similkameen BBQ King event July 11 5-9pm Grist Mill & Gardens Keremeos, BC similkameenwine.com 16th Annual BC Enology & Viticulture Conference July 20-21 Penticton Trade and Convention Centre Penticton, BC www.bcwgc.org/conference 2015 Wine Bloggers Conference August 13-16 Santa Barbara County, CA, USA winebloggersconference.org

Spring 2015

To be selected,

they need to be protected.

Use DuPont™ Exirel™ insecticide, powered by Cyazypyr™, early in the season to give your pome fruit, stone fruit and blueberries the head-start they need during the most critical stages of development. Exirel™ has fast acting, translaminar and xylem systemic movement so you’ll be protecting new growth from difcult chewing and sucking pests, including aphids, plum curculio, apple maggots, codling moth, Oriental fruit moths, leafrollers, weevils and spotted wing drosophila. Exirel™, powered by Cyazypyr™, an important part of an integrated pest management program. Questions? Ask your retailer, call 1-800-667-3925 or visit exirel.dupont.ca

As with all crop protection products, read and follow label instructions carefully. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™, Exirel™ and Cyazypyr™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. E. I. du Pont Canada Company is a licensee. Member of CropLife Canada. © Copyright 2015 E. I. du Pont Canada Company. All rights reserved.

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.

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 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

'Mystery Wine' a Hit at Culinary Championships By Darcy Nybo You know you’ve got something special when your wine is chosen to be the Mystery Wine at the People’s Choice Awards at the Canadian Culinary Championships. Held earlier this year at the Kelowna Delta Grand Hotel, more than 400 guests tasted dishes from 11 chefs – all winners of Gold Medal Plates – and then decided which dish paired best with the wine. No one, not even the chefs, knew what the wine was or where it came from. The winning chef that evening was Mark McCrowe of St. John's Aqua Kitchen Bar.

The Pinotage variety is not well known in North America, but is a favourite in South Africa, where the grape was developed as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut in the early 1900s. Pinotage is very rarely grown outside of South Africa. In the mid 1990s, Martiniuk discovered Pinotage when the owner of another Okanagan winery brought him cuttings to propagate into vines. “I wanted to experiment with the variety, as it was totally new to Canada at that point. I asked to keep a few vines for myself to see how they would grow,” he said. “Once the vines were mature, I was so impressed by the fruit's flavours and the vine's growing habits that I decided to plant more. I wasn't able to access cuttings so I took tissue samples from the two vines that I did have, and had them cultured in Saanichton at the Plant Research Centre.” Stoneboat submitted their 2011 Pinotage to the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada competition, and it received a gold medal. While there, Martiniuk met David Lawrason, who organizes the wine

Judging at the People’s Choice Awards at the Canadian Culinary Championships.

side of the Canadian Culinary Championships. He thought Pinotage would be a great mystery wine that would keep people guessing. He also thought the chefs would be intrigued by its flavour profile. Although they had to supply the wine at below cost to the not-for-profit Canadian Culinary Championships, Martiniuk says it was still a great experience. “We have been contacted by several of the chefs that competed in the competition who would like to carry our Pinotage in their restaurants. It will be available in Ontario soon, and is already on the list at the Westin Hotel in Edmonton. The wine was received very well by the chefs, and considering their calibre, their interest in the wine is the best kind of compliment.” For more information on Pinotage visit www.stoneboatvineyards.com For information on Gold Medal Plates and the Canadian Culinary Championship visit www.goldmedalplates.com.

Photos by Kirsten Wakal

Tim Martiniuk, General Manager of Stoneboat Vineyards remembers the day they found out their 2012 Pinotage was chosen as the mystery wine. “We were very excited! Stoneboat is a small winery and we do very little in the way of advertising, so this was a great opportunity. All in all, being chosen as the mystery wine was a great opportunity for the winery, and a victory for the variety itself!”

Pouring the mystery wine.

Spring 2015 11

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Comings and Goings – in the Similkameen Valley By Michael Botner

Corcelettes Estate Winery opened in 2013 on Beecroft River Road where three acres of Chasselas and other white varieties are planted. They’ve expanded in dramatic fashion with the purchase of the former Herder property on Upper Bench Road in Keremeos, where production, tasting and sales facilities will be located as of Easter Weekend. The transaction included a fully-equipped wine-making facility and a mature vineyard planted with five meritage red varieties, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Young and exuberant, residents of the showcase house are Charlie Baessler, the winemaker, whose previous experience includes working under Bertus Albertyne at Burrowing Owl and Lawrence Herder at the very same location, and wife Jesce. Charlie is the son of owners Urs and Barbara Baessler, Swiss immigrants who moved to the Similkameen in 2007, purchasing an organic garlic farm and converting it to vines in 2010. Next door at Clos du Soleil Winery, the old barn is gone and a state of the art winery, slated to open in the spring, is under construction. “With production at 5,000 cases in 2014, it was just too small,” says Michael Clark, an investor who came on board in 2012 to oversee winery and vineyard operations, and will be the winemaker in 2015. The Cambridge, Ontario native has trained in viticulture and wine-making in Switzerland, Bordeaux, and at UC Davis. The confluence of Bordeaux-type grape varieties and distinctly Similkameen terroir is a “match made in heaven,” he says. Deep in the heart of Cawston’s peaceful, fruit-growing country, Twisted Hills Craft 12 Spring 2015

Photos by Michael Botner

Quiet, rural, off-the beaten-track, the Similkameen Valley is a refuge from the crowds that descend on the Okanagan’s wineries every summer. But aversion to hype has not slowed the growth of the wine industry in and around the towns of Cawston and Keremeos. A short visit earlier this year revealed a host of recent changes and additions that show the vibrancy of Similkameen’s wine sector.

Corcelettes Winemaker Charlie Baessler and Jesce at Upper Bench Road Winery.

Walter and son Brad Makepeace of Hugging Tree Winery take a break outside the new winery.

Michael Clark, winemaker and director of winery and vineyard operations at Clos du Soleil.

Cider attracts a steady stream of customers to the rustic cellar door. They are seeking the small-batch, hand-crafted ciders sourced from home-grown, organic cider apples. Named Fairview Cider for the 2014 opening (after the mountain to the east that dominates the landscape), the name infringed on that of a winery of the same name on the other side of the Fairview Mountain. “We’ve been growing English and French cider apples

for 7-8 years and decided to start our own cidery, the first in Simikammen”, says Kaylan Madeira, who runs the operation with orchardist husband Joe. “Cider apples are more tannic and have more character than apples for eating,” she adds. A new family winery in town, Hugging Tree took root in 2005 when career RCMP officers Walter and Cristine Makepeace

horticulturist and manager of the family farm in the Fraser Valley, and Roger Hol, a veteran grape grower who owned an interest in Andrew Peller Ltd.’s 70 acre Rocky Ridge Vineyard where he tended the vines. When Peller bought him out in 2008, they purchased the farm and Roger planted the vineyard. Sadly, Jyl died of cancer in 2014 as the project neared completion. While VineGlass is open for business in 2015, Roger says he is searching for an investor to share in the future of the venture.

purchased an organic apple and peach orchard as the first step to starting a winery. Walter planted 20 acres of vines, meritage red varieties and some Viognier, in 2007-8. Syrah planted on a separate block did not do well and had to be removed. Enlisting wine guru Richard Kanazawa for the early vintages, Walter and free spirit son Brad Makepeace took the viticulture and winemaking program at Okanagan College. The new winery with an inviting cellar door opened on August 21, 2014. Hugging Tree is named after a willow tree on the property that provided shade for hard-working father and son during lunch break. Nearby VineGlass Renewal Resort on the banks of the peaceful Similkameen River is based on an imaginative “earth to plate”, agri-tourism concept that features a wine country resort and a small winery. The genius of the 7,000 vine vineyard is in planting the vines in such a way

Kaylan Madeira and Joe Schneider outside the Twisted Hills Craft Cider Cellar door.

that a big wine glass can be seen from a nearby hillside. The dream project was the brainchild of partners Jyl Chegwin, a

The 2015 Similkameen BBQ King Competition event slated for July 15 will reflect the growth of the wine industry, according to Similkameen Wineries Association spokesperson Kim Lawton. “This year 12 wineries will be participating in the event, up from 9 in 2014,” she says. “As well, we will be expanding the event to take advantage of both sides of the gorgeous and historic Grist Mill and Gardens.”

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Spring 2015 13

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Soilmate a Winner!

By Barb Aguiar It has only been up for 10 months, but Soil Mate, a Kelowna-based website that connects consumers with local food and beverages, has been recognized for the Best Concept in B.C. at the 12th Annual Small Business Awards held in Vancouver in February. The contest, hosted by Small Business B.C. to recognize the top small businesses across the province, saw 460 nominees in ten categories compete over five months. Soil Mate was selected through public voting, written applications and a Dragons’ Den-style pitch finale. As a winner, Soil Mate received $1500, a year of mentoring from an accounting firm and some welcome exposure.

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“It brings attention to what we’re doing,” said Matt Gomez, Soil Mate’s founder and chief executive officer. Featured as part of Orchard and Vine’s Eight Cool Apps and Websites article in its July 2014 Innovation Issue, the Soil Mate website works on computers and mobile devices to direct people to local farmers, raisers and producers within a 160 kilometre radius. After its launch in May 2014, Soil Mate rapidly expanded to every U.S. state and Canadian province. Within six months, it grew to 10,000 listings.  Initially listing only farms, farmers’ markets and wineries, Soil Mate’s directory now includes craft breweries, cideries, distilleries and local sourcing restaurants and stores.  Gomez attributes Soil Mate’s success to having a good product and good methodology.   “We’re more of a movement and a set of values than a straight up business or tool,” said Gomez. To learn more about Soil Mate visit soilmate.com.

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Looking to Sell or Expand your Farm or Winery Business? Opportunity is knocking for B.C. business owners looking to sell or attract investment using a database offering greater prominence in the global marketplace. OpportunitiesBC, a provincial government database, connects foreign investors with business sectors including agricultural and food processing, wineries, tourism and accommodation. Business opportunities must be worth at least $100,000 and provide an economic benefit to the local community. Launched in 2012, OpportunitiesBC was created by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Development and the Economic Development Association of B.C. to attract foreign investors to the province. In 2013, the database had 150,000 views including users in India and China. There is no charge for businesses to submit their profile, which include business information, photos, links and location.

The opportunities are part of an online searchable database on B.C.’s official international website linking to sites in China, Japan, Korea, India, Europe and the United States. B.C.’s OpportunitiesBC is a succession tool for folks who want to invest, said Robert Fine, Kelowna’s Director of Business and Entrepreneurial Development. Fine noted that B.C.’s aging population is a concern with the most recent Okanagan census showing the average farmer was 56 years old. OpportunitiesBC is a way to keep smaller communities vibrant by giving people who want to sell their viable business an additional opportunity to find a buyer.  OpportunitiesBC also attracts investors looking to fast track their permanent resident application process in B.C. through the Business Provincial Nominee Program. In the program’s Regional Entrepreneur category, those who would like to invest in a business outside of the Vancou-

ver and Abbotsford metropolitan areas must have a personal net worth of at least $400,000, intend to invest at least $200,000 and acquire at least one-third ownership in the business and commit to creating at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Find out more at: OpportunitiesBC.ca. Email: OpportunitiesBC@ gov.bc.ca.

You Could Be This Happy Too. Be an #EFPchampion.

Willem Semmelink Vineyard Manager, Summerhill Pyramid Winery Kelowna, B.C.

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Spring 2015 15

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Steele Continues to Build on Previous Foundation By Ronda Payne The BC Fruit Growers Association 2015 convention and AGM held few surprises. The annual meeting saw the approval of more than 30 resolutions and the election of the 2015 executive, including the re-election of Fred Steele, president. “It was pretty much standard fare,” Steele said of the event overall and noted he was pleased to be able to continue with the work he had started.

Steele is joined on the executive by vice-president Bhupinder Dhaliwal, Niel Dendy, Surjeet Nagra, Tony Nijjar, Ravinder Bains, Sukhdeep Brar and Denise MacDonald. The guiding principle Steele sees the executive working by is to regularly ask what can be done to make the organi-

Photo by Kim Elsasser

“The job’s not finished,” he said. “It’s [being re-elected is] gratifying, but it’s also a humbling experience… you’re at the mercy of the thoughts and motions of the room.”

Vice-president Bhupinder Dhaliwal and Fred Steele re-elected at the BCFGA AGM.

zation and other aspects of the apple business better now than how the group found it.

ago did we make the right decision’,” he said. “I’m always asking myself how I did.”

“When I’m an old geezer with a cane and I walk into an orchard, I’ll ask ’20 years

Steele sees his role as one which belongs to the members of the organization. “The process has got to be about the members,” he said. “The chair belongs to the organization.” The replant program was discussed with resolutions passed to express appreciation to the province for the seven-year program, ask the province for flexibility in shifting replant funding between fiscal years and request the province’s cooperation in developing a federal export-oriented program.

Is Lingonberry the New Superfruit? Recently, scientists have been seriously looking into the lingonberry as a new super fruit providing unique benefits to human health. The tart, bright red lingonberry (also known as red whortleberry, cowberry, foxberry, lowbush cranberry, northern mountain cranberry, graines rouges in Quebec, partridgeberry in Newfoundland and rock cranberry in Alaska) is smaller, juicier and less bitter than its distant cousin, the cranberry. It grows on a short semi-evergreen shrub that is found throughout the cold Northern Hemisphere. It is produced commercially in Europe where cultivated varieties (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are available. Dr. Kelly Ross, of PARC-Summerland, is part of a team of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC) researchers actively pursuing genetic improvement and commercialization of this “super fruit” in Canada.

“People had a replant program,” Steele said of one of the factors leading to a positive feeling at the meeting. “It’s stability. They are thinking, ‘I know there’s a program in 2017.’ It makes a difference.” With the program in place, growers are able to plan for all of the planting, soil testing and other aspects needed to move forward. Production insurance was also a highlight of the agenda with a resolution to have the insurance branch consider young orchards in revisions for guaranContinued Page 17

16 Spring 2015

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS tees, to inform orchardists of how to update coverage as needed, and have them advise growers on rules of input into the arbitration process. The members also resolved that production insurance arbitration be done by those with tree fruit and farming experience. Several high impact issues were addressed including a request for AgriInvest to be returned to previous benefit levels, support for the government’s position on the value of irrigation water (including requesting municipal governments to consider agriculture in water allocation and pricing) and that an agricultural sustainability fund be formed from ALR exclusion funds to promote the active use of farmland. Members also asked for funds to be restored for basic management practices, that Environmental Farm Program funds be allocated fairly throughout B.C. and among commodities, and that the idea of merging the Food Safety and EFP Program be explored. “I think the tone was that people have a feeling we’re going somewhere,” Steele said of the meeting. “That there is a plan and that they’re part of the plan. It’s their plan. It’s not my plan.” To aid growers in making dollars go farther, a system was requested for PST exemption on all purchases of services and supplies for farm use, exploration into biosolids as an orchard fertilizer, forming a succession plan for apple and cherry breeding research, reintroduction of deer fencing as a BMP eligible for EFP funding and that the province take responsibility for funding the steps outlined in the control plan for Apple Maggot. Also at the meeting, the membership agreed to oppose the registration and introduction of GMO tree fruits and that the term “organic” be reserved for product sold within B.C. that meets organic certification requirements.

Growth is Natural. Quality is Intentional. Did you know that calcium carbonate is essential in raising pH levels in acidic soils? By providing calcium, and “sweetening” the soil, you provide the first step in optimizing yield and crop quality.

Nature’s Intent Calpril® and Nature’s Intent Dolopril ® neutralize acidic soils and correct calcium and magnesium deficiencies. Our full line of all natural, fast-acting products has been proven safe and effective through extensive testing. •

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Overall, Steele felt that despite the many tasks ahead, the mood of the group was positive and forward thinking.

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“Optimism is infectious,” he said. Scan QR Code

Spring 2015 17

 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

Bosagrape Unveils Portable and Mighty Crossflow Filter Bosagrape Winery & Beer Making Supplies is introducing a new portable crossflow filter that makes the power and benefits of crossflow accessible to small and medium sized facilities. It's small enough to fit in the back of a pickup truck but big enough to get the job done efficiently. For larger facilities it can be used for high value products that were once impossible with the hold-up volume of the larger crossflows.

Microfiltration membranes used in the crossflow are both reusable and easy to clean and available in 5 pore sizes. By removing only one hose the pump can also be used as a transfer pump delivering up to 28gpm at 140ft of head (60psi). The onboard variable frequency drive allows the operator to increase or decrease the pump speed as desired. Ask about the optional hand held speed control and flowmeter. For more information visit: http://www.bosagrape.com/

www.OkanaganFarms.com

PEACH ORCHARD ON SMALL ACREAGE UPDATED 5 BEDROOM home on 2.34 acres in gorgeous Lake Country. Quiet setting among the income producing peach tree orchard. Beautiful views of Wood and Kalamalka lakes. MLS® $639,500

HIGH DENSITY CHERRY ORCHARD UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS of Wood lake from this fantastic semi-lakeshore acreage. Large walk-out rancher, 4 bay dream shop & over 2 acres of high density cherry orchard. RARE! MLS® $1,195,000

CORONATION GRAPES MODERN, PROFITABLE VINEYARD & orchard in Glenmore. Coronation grapes, Ambrosia apples. On a gently sloping 7.75 acres with valley views. Large west facing home. Near everything. MLS® $1,299,000

LAKE & CITY VIEWS 13.3 ACRES in South East Kelowna! Frontage on both Spiers & Gulley Roads. Approx 8 acres in apple orchard. Small main home & shops. Private setting to build a new home amidst the orchard! MLS® $1,299,000

SWEEPING LAKE VIEWS OVER 9 ACRES gently sloping to the east with an older heritage-style home & close up spectacular views of Kalamalka Lake. Great micro climate for most orchard operations! MLS® $1,400,000

WATERFRONT!! COURT ORDERED SALE!! 1000 FEET OF PRISTINE WATERFRONT ON LAKE OKANAGAN. Over 14 acres on Campbell Road, minutes to downtown. Stunning city & lake views. Potential for winery/ agri-tourism development. MLS® $8,900,000

Your local experts in farm, residential, and estate properties JERRY GEEN Jerry@GeenByrne.com 250-870-3888 18 Spring 2015

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 SPRING | NEWS & EVENTS

New Organic Product Powerful filtration CaPability for estate-sCale winemaking

NEW! Winesecrets introduces a simple efficient specialized filtration solution! All-In-One Adaptability For: There’s a new organic product available for growers, especially for orchards, vines, berries and orchard grasses. Gro-Spurt products are on the cutting edge, 100% organic and safe to use, with the highest purity and guaranteed minimum analysis of 90% and 100%. Using Gibberellic Acid, first discovered in 1926 by a Japanese scientist named Kurosawa, it has been used as a growth enhancer for over 40 years. Gibberellic Acid is used as a food additive, biopesticide, and plant growth regulator. Used to stimulate both cell division and cell elongation that affect leaves as well as stems which eventually affecting fruit development and fruit set. Gibberellic Acid can also hasten plant maturation and seed germination. Gro-Spurt, designed with the farmer in mind by Acutus Enterprises Inc., a 100% wholly owned Canadian Company dedicated to the supply and research of Gibberellic Acid products that are 100% organic and are of the highest quality and purity.

water filtration Create purified water on-site. A key resource for water reclamation and reuse during drought times!

taint removal Customizable apps allow for a specialized removal of VA, Brett, Smoke Taint (and one’s you’ve never even heard before) All adaptable to your unique needs!

ConCentration Can be equipped for concentration of wine as well as juice! The perfect tool to reduce alcohol after fermentation. Winesecrets experience & knowledge partnered with GE quality & reliability Channel Partner Water and Process Technologies

To ensure the maximum crop yield check out Gro-Spurt this season. http://www.grospurt.com.

Technical Questions? Contact Eric Dahlberg eric@winesecrets.com

samPle ProduCtion rates Approximately 200 liters per hour • VA Removal: Approximately 50% reduction per hour • Alcohol Adjustment: Approximately 3% reduction per hour • Juice Concentration: Approximately 5 degrees brix per hour

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Spring 2015 19

Mahindra #1 in the World & Ready to take on Canada

Mahindra, the number one selling tractor in the world since 2010, is looking to expand operations to serve the needs of its growing customer base in the Canadian market. Mahindra was formed in 1945 as a steel trading company and began assembling the iconic Willys Jeep, under license in India, to traverse the rugged Indian terrain. Through a joint venture with International Harvester in 1963, Mahindra entered the agricultural equipment market and established its own manufacturing, research and development operations in 1977. In 1984, Mahindra became the #1 selling tractor in the Indian market, the largest tractor market in the world, and has continued to grow as the Mahindra brand expanded globally. This strong growth is due to Mahindra’s commitment to delivering heavy-duty, high performance and reliable tractors with a strong focus on customer- and dealersatisfaction. In fact, Mahindra has the industry’s highest customer satisfaction and customer loyalty ratings at 98% and 97%, respectively. “It’s important to Mahindra to build a quality product that is durable and provides our customers with the best value 20 Spring 2015

ABOUT MAHINDRA Mahindra is a Global Group with a revenue of $16.7 Billion and growing. In the last ten years group revenues have grown by 10X, profits by 22X and market cap 60X

Mark Potter, Western Business Manager with Mahindra.

for their hard-earned money,” said Mark Potter, Western Business Manager with Mahindra. Their commitment to quality has resulted in Mahindra becoming the only tractor manufacturer in the world to receive the industry’s two highest awards for quality, a distinction generally reserved for the automotive industry. Mahindra was presented the Deming Application Prize in 2003 for establishing total quality management in all business operations. In 2007 Mahindra was awarded the Japan Quality Medal for excellence in customer focus, overall quality and business processes. ADVERTISEMENT

Mahindra Has 11 Business Sectors • Aftermarket • Automotive • Defence • Farm Equipment • Financial Service • Hospitality • IT • Partners • Real Estate • Systech • Two Wheelers As Mahindra continues to expand its product range, with over 50 models from 22 HP – 105 HP, the commitment to quality and customer satisfaction continues with Mahindra’s industry-leading 5 year powertrain warranty standard on all models. Get the job done with models such as the Mahindra eMax 22 horse-

power tractor - cut the grass, put a loader on it or rototill. The eMax tractor has bigger tires, highest lift capacity, a heavier, sturdier chassis and the best turning radius in the industry for sub-compact models. “Mahindra is a forward thinking company that puts the dealer and customers first in all they do. We are all passionate about the tractor business and can’t succeed without partnering with our dealers and customers and building a long-lasting relationship.” said Potter. Mahindra’s $30 million investment in developing their mCRD (Mahindra Common Rail Diesel)Tier IV engine technology has resulted in the industry’s leading operator friendly product. Mahindra engines for tractors over 25 horsepower do not require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce emissions to meet environmental regulations. Similarly, operators don’t need to worry about a regeneration cycle that must be done at periodic intervals to burn off particulate matter (PM) that is built up in the DPF. What this means is that Mahindra has created a simple and easy solution that is eco-friendly and keeps the operator from worrying about expensive components that will have to be replaced.

ENJOY ZERO DOWN, ZERO INTEREST, ZERO PAYMENTS TILL SEPTEMBER, 2015*

#1 Selling tractor in the world 5 Year powertrain warranty

Mahindra has experienced between 30 and 40 per cent increase in sales over the last three years in the United States and wants to expand its presence in Canada. The company is supporting the Canadian manufacturing industry with its line of Canadian built implements including box-scraper blades, rototillers, rotary mowers, posthole diggers, bale forks and bale spears. Potter is seeking new Mahindra dealers in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. He notes dealers don’t have to sell Mahindra products exclusively. There are opportunities for aggressive, passionate tractor entrepreneurs to take advantage of open territory. “We are excited about the Canadian market and will invest and do all we can to attract and build a dealer network that will help continue our strong growth.” said Potter.

NO DPF on tractors over 25HP NO additive (DEF) required over 25HP

E MAX BIGGER TIRES HIGHEST LEFY CAPACITY BEST WARRANTY HEAVIER, STURDIER CHASSIS BEST TURNING RADIUS

* With approved credit. Program restrictions may apply. See dealer for details. †Limited time offer.

Spring 2015 21

Simply go to www.abcustomfencing.com

WE’VE GOT IT COVERED NEW KELOWNA 40,000 SQFT TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED WAREHOUSE FACILITY

• One-handed staple puller • Lever prongs for stubborn staples • High grade wire cutter • Hardened for extreme durability • Wire grips for tensioning

Commercial Logistics offers producers in the central interior easy access to an ultra modern, fully secured warehousing facility. With our links throughout BC, CLI now offers the most complete warehousing & logistics network dedicated to the beverage industry. Get your product moving with Commercial Logistics. 1-604-276-1300 | CONTAINERWORLD.COM SALES & MARKETING DIRECT: 1-604-276-1308 SALES@CONTAINERWORLD.COM

Kamloops | 15,000sqft 250-852-4650

Kelowna | 40,000sqft

• Tough for extreme conditions • Adjustable depth of drive • Sequential trigger system for safety • For high volume post and wire stapling applications • Drives 9ga (4mm diameter) barbed 13/4” (45mm) and 2” (50mm) staples

250-491-9316

Vancouver | 650,000sqft 1-604-276-1308

22 Spring 2015

ARCTIC APPLE HERE TO STAY

President Neal Carter picking an apple.

By Ronda Payne The controversial Arctic Apple has been approved for production in Canada and the United States, despite opposition from grower groups like the BC Fruit Growers Association. The US deregulated Arctic Granny and Arctic Golden apples in early March, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency followed suit on March 20. Arctic apple founder Neal Carter is confident the new fruit option will increase apple consumption, not everyone is embracing the blend of orchards and science. “A recent study from Cornell University found that schoolchildren eat around 70% more apples, and waste far less, when apples are served to them as slices rather than as whole fruit,” Carter said. “Browning is a big impediment to fresh cut apples, though, as anti-browning treatments are costly and can impart an off-taste. Arctic apples can avoid these issues, giving consumers a higher quality eating experience.”

They are likely the most tested apple in existence and are proven to have zero novel proteins; the only difference between them and their conventional counterparts is the non-browning benefit. Neal Carter Carter got on the non-browning apple bandwagon in the mid-1990s when he learned about research into non-browning potatoes. The apple grower saw an opportunity for an increase in fresh cut apple consumption through enhanced visual appeal that could help combat declining North American apple consumption. Trialed in Washington and New York states, OSF planted test orchards in 2003 and 2005 to give more than a decade worth of orchard experience and in

house fruit trials. “They are likely the most tested apple in existence and are proven to have zero novel proteins; the only difference between them and their conventional counterparts is the non-browning benefit,” Carter noted. “Our families have already eaten more Arctic apples than anyone, and will continue to do so. We certainly would not be introducing a product into the market that we are not 100% confident in ourselves.” While

B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association Spring 2015 23

president, Fred Steele, agrees with the science behind the Arctic apple, he has concerns about how the new apple could negatively affect Canadian orchardists. The thought is that an Okanagan-created GMO apple could have a ripple effect throwing the growth, production and genetic-origins of all Okanagan apples into question in the minds of consumers.

sumption when they were introduced, and fresh-cut products like fresh apple slices could potentially take off in a similar manner thanks to the non-browning benefit,” he said.

“We’re not quarrelling with the science,” Steele said. “We’re quarrelling with the possible economic impact on farmers. The vast majority of our members indicated they won’t grow it and we are concerned where it will leave organic growers.”

A Langley, B.C. based market, Ralph’s Market, is unlikely to carry the fruit regardless of the non-browning benefit, according to the store’s manager, Murray Redekop.

With apple segregation common in the industry, Carter believes there will be no negative impact, as the Arctic apple will simply provide one more option to consumers looking for apples. The science behind the Arctic apple is complex, but can be broken down to basics. When conventional apples receive trauma through being cut, bitten into or dropped, the apple cells are fractured, thus triggering a chemical reaction that results in a brown-toned melanin. Through science-based gene silencing Arctic apples lack the tools to cause browning. The process can be replicated on any variety of the fruit. The convenience factor of a fresh-cut, non-browning apple is what Carter thinks will draw the public to the Arctic apple. “The simple convenience of ‘baby’ carrots doubled carrot con-

Carter noted that Canadian approval for the fruit was applied for in 2011 and apples will be sold in small test-market quantities in 2016.

“I think that apple will particularly appeal to people who pack apples for salads or… like in a salad bar,” Redekop noted. “I think most of our customers buy [apples] just to eat them and aren’t so concerned about the brownness. It’s [the Arctic apple] more just for processing.” Acceptance of the product will come down to public education and acceptance noted Steele. “It depends on whether the public accepts it,” Steele said. “We’ll see where it takes us… it will be a while to see if consumers accept it.” According to Steele a 2012 survey saw 68% of consumers saying they wouldn’t accept the GMO apple. Redekop supported this statement. “Not many, but some of our customers specifically mentioned the Arctic apple and concerns,” he noted. The research Carter has done is counter to the 2012 data. “Our significant consumer research has demonstrated with remarkable consistency that the vast majority of apple eaters are interested in Arctic apples, especially when they learn more about them or get to experience the fruit firsthand,” Carter said. “We are confident non-browning apples can get apples into more places and boost consumption, while also helping reduce food waste, and offering additional market opportunity for the apple industry.” Despite the debate over the Arctic apple’s benefit to the marketplace, there is obvious interest given the late February announcement of acquisition of OSF by Intrexon Corp., a leader in synthetic biology for $41 million. Carter will continue with OSF after the purchase completes. ■

Nonbrowning Arctic® Granny, with slices cut out.

Is Your Marketing Message Being Delivered?

Kootenay Covers

✶Prevents all wasp, worm & bird damage without poison✶ ✶For cherries and grapes Re-useable year after year✶ • Briteland, Vernon • Art Knapp, Kelowna • Bylands, Westside • Nelson Farmers Supply • Kaslo Building Supplies • Columbia Valley Greenhouses, Trail • Invermere Home Hardware

www.kootenaycovers.com

250-353-2264 24 Spring 2015

PRINT • ONLINE 250-769-2123 or info@orchardandvine.net www.orchardandvine.net

2015 BUYERS’ GUIDE

■ Accounting

■ Organics

■ Agencies – Marketing & Design

■ Packaging Containers & Boxes

■ Animal, Bird and Pest Control

■ Pest Control

■ Associations

■ Pesticides

■ Bottles

■ Photography

■ Concrete Resurfacing

■ Real Estate

■ Cooperage, Tanks & Containers

■ Refrigeration

■ Corks, Capsules & Closures

■ Restoration

■ Crop Protection

■ Soil & Soil Testing

■ Farm Equipment

■ Spreaders

■ Farm Management

■ Storage

■ Fencing

■ Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

■ Fertilizer

■ Trailers

■ Financial

■ Travel & Tourism

■ Funding Programs

■ Vineyard Equipment

■ Insurance

■ Vineyard Installations

■ Irrigation

■ Viticulture

■ Juicing

■ Wind Machines

■ Labels & Labeling Equipment

■ Winery Equipment

■ Nursery Supplies

■ Winery Services

■ Orchard Supplies

■ Winery Supplies

Spring 2015 25

Accounting

Agencies

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 Lumby Box 610, 2041 Vernon Street, Lumby, BC V0E 2G0 Phone: 250-547-2118 Fax: 250-547-2042 www.rhllp.ca

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.

Expert farm taxation advice: • 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

2015 Buyers’ Guide

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.

26 Spring 2015

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.

101-385 Douglas Ave Penticton V2A 2V1Phone: 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.

Animal, Bird & Pest Control

Associations

Neal Carter and Associates Ltd.

American Nettings & Fabric Inc. 7042 Portal Way, Bldg N1 Ferndale, WA USA 98248 Phone: 360-366-2630 Toll Free: 1-800-811-7444 Fax: 1-800-211-6387 sales@americannettings.com www.americannettings.com Extruded bird nettings to 20 ft wide, custom cuts available. Knitted bird nettings to 60 ft wide. Shade nets, deer fence, woven ground cover, etc.

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

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.

Bottles Redden Net & Rope Ltd.

Kaslo, BC Phone: 250-353-2264 mroberts@kootenaycovers.com www.kootenaycovers.com

Largest Supplier of Vineyard Netting in B.C.

Insect netting for cherry flies, wasps and SWD! Kootenay Covers prevent worm, wasp and bird damage without poison. Tight weave for cherries and other fruit prevents worms. Looser weave for grapes keeps out wasps. Available pre-sewn, by the foot or bale. Cost effective, UV resistant, lasts for years!

Universal Packaging 1810 Kosmina Road Vernon, BC V1T 8T2 Toll free: 1-866-549-1323 Fax: 1-877-260-8777 sales@thinkuniversal.com www.thinkuniversal.com

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

Like us at: facebook.com/OrchardandVineMagazine

Universal Packaging has been supplying packaging solutions to beverage companies since 1985. Over the years, we have invested in innovative technology and our team to become one of the largest screen printers in North America. From start to finish, we are your one-stop shop ask us about screen printing, bottles, cartons, Vinoseal closures and more!

2015 Buyers’ Guide

Kootenay Covers

#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

Spring 2015 27

Bottles

WP Bottle Supply Phone: 905-329-3523 Toll free: 888 704-1708 Fax number: 905-688-9956 suzanne@wparehousing.com www.wpbottlesupply.com WP Bottle Supply offers the highest level of customer service with competitive pricing. Attentive detail is given to each order, from sourcing the perfect container worthy or your product to making sure it is delivered on time for bottling. The highest quality wine, beer and liquor bottles are sourced from North America, Europe, South America and Asia. A division of WP Warehousing, with access to over 200,000 sq. ft. of warehouse to inventory glass and trucking logistics across Canada and the USA.

Concrete Resurfacing

Cooperage, Tanks & Containers

Corks, Capsules & Closures

cellar•tek west

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

cellar•tek east

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

info@cellartek.com www.cellartek.com

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

Corks, Capsules & Closures

TricorBraun Winepak

2015 Buyers’ Guide

Marvelous Ideas Contracting Ltd. 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 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, provenperformance 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.

28 Spring 2015

Amcor Flexibles 5425 Broadway Street American Canyon CA 94503 Phone: 877-STELVIN (877-783-5846) Fax number: 707-257-8028 info.capsules@amcor.com www.amcor.com/stelvin Amcor is a global leader in the manufacture and marketing of Stelvin® aluminum closures and capsules for the wine, sparkling wine & spirits industry. Stelvin®, the original wine screwcap developed more than 50 years ago, is the market reference. The Stelvin® closure uses specific liners that respect the aging process and deliver uncompromised flavors and aromas.

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.

Corks, Capsules & Closures

Crop Protection

Crop Production Services Inc. Evergro Division

1810 Kosmina Road Vernon, BC V1T 8T2 Toll free: 1-866-549-1323 Fax: 1-877-260-8777 sales@thinkuniversal.com www.thinkuniversal.com Universal Packaging has been supplying packaging solutions to beverage companies since 1985. Over the years, we have invested in innovative technology and our team to become one of the largest screen printers in North America. From start to finish, we are your one-stop shop ask us about screen printing, bottles, cartons, Vinoseal closures and more!

Major supplier of fertilizer including liquid, water soluble, slow release, organic, foliar and micro nutrients. Environmentally responsible pest controls including biological & synthetic treatments. Large inventory of grower supplies and crop production products. We are committed to growth; ask our technical sales representatives to help plan your crop nutrition and protection strategies.

Crop Protection

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

Farm Equipment

Engage Agro Corporation

Avenue Machinery Corp.

1030 Gordon St. Guelph, ON N1G 4X5 Phone: 519-826-7878 Toll free: 866-613-3336 Fax: 519-826-7675 info@engageagro.com www.engageagro.com

1521 Sumas way Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z6

Engage Agro Corporation develops, registers and markets protection, nutritional and management products for orchard, vineyard and agricultural crops across Canada. Engage Agro works closely with end users and suppliers to evaluate market needs, conduct research, and provide cost effective products that offer superior performance.

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 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.

2015 Buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guide

Universal Packaging

260D Campion St. Kelowna, BC V1X 7S8 Phone: 250-765-0290 Toll Free: 866-765-0290 Fax: 250-765-0258 evergro@cpsagu.ca

Spring 2015 29

Farm Equipment

Bowtie Tech Corp 15210 - 97 Street Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V2 Phone: 250-495-6459 info@bowtietech.com • 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

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.

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

Mahindra Canada

Farmco Sales Ltd.

2015 Buyers’ Guide

201 - 150 Campion Street Kelowna, B.C. V1X 7S8 Phone: 250-765-8266 Toll Free: 1-877-461-7933 Fax: 250-765-3179 sales@farmcosales.com www.farmcosales.com The New Holland dealer serving the Okanagan Valley for over 30 years. Also Dealers for Perfect Van Wamel, Cub Cadet, Woods Equipment and now S.A.E supplying Porter Bin Lifts and Turbmatic Sprayers from Italy.

30 Spring 2015

Penticton, BC V2A 2V6 Phone: 250-328-4732 mark.potter@mahindrausa.com www.mahindracanada.ca The #1 selling tractor in the world. Across continents, fields and farmland, Mahindra helps people get the job done right and connects them to their passion - the land they work and love! Under 40 hp models are built in Japan by Mitsubishi. Over 40 hp tractors are built in India. • Winner of The Deming Prize 2003 • Japan Quality Medal Winner 2007

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; FA.MA. Hedgers and HSS sprayers, Orsi Platforms, Darwin blossom thinners, Bartlett custom packhouse equipment.

Farm Equipment

Farm Management

Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA) Inc. South Okanagan Equipment 5679 Sawmill Rd Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Phone: 250-498-5145 Fax: 250-498-5135 sokequip@hotmail.com Sales and service of new and quality used farm equipment, 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!

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

Fencing

AB Custom Fencing Phone: 250-567-8581 info@abcustomfencing.com www.abcustomfencing.com

2019 Marion Rd, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2J5 Phone: 604-855-0071 Larry: 604-209-5523 triway2@telus.net

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

Contact Tri-Way Farms Laser Levelling Ltd. for improved drainage, uniform germination, uniform irrigation to increase crop yields.

Dealer/Installer of Gallagher Fence Animal management systems Bear & Wildlife Fencing Specialist, Design, Supply, Installation

Christine ‘N Steve Grouhel 10520 Hwy 97D, PO Box 557 Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0 Phone: 778-257-WIRE(9473) Fax number: 250-523-6624 info@fencenmore.com www.fencenmore.com Dura-Line supplies for vineyards, orchards ‘N growers; wide selection of wire, electric ‘N vinyl fencing; gates ‘N accessories; livestock, pet ‘N poultry products for ranchers, small acreages ‘N residential; beekeeping predator control; brand names include Patriot, Speedrite, Behlen, Hotecote, Horsecote, Bayco, Horseman’s Pride, Jolly Pet, Tough Stuff, Gripple ‘N More.

2015 Buyers’ Guide

Tri-Way Farms Laser Levelling Ltd.

Spring 2015 31

Fencing

Fertilizer

Engage Agro Corporation 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.

2015 Buyers’ Guide

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

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

Meadow Valley Construction

Acutus Enterprises Inc.

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

4728 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R7 Please contact our Local Okanagan Representative: Domenic Rampone Cell: 250-862-7326 domenic@grospurt.com www.grospurt.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.

32 Spring 2015

FOR OPTIMUM CHERRY PRODUCTION APPLY GROSPURT GA-90 GRO-SPURT is the highest quality GA3 product available with a 90% minimum guaranteed purity. ‘HIGHER QUALITY MEANS BETTER RESULTS’ Available from your local GROWERS SUPPLY OUTLET

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

Superior Peat Inc 1700 Carmi Avenue Penticton, BC V2A 8V5 Phone: 250-493-5410 info@superiorpeat.com www.superiorpeat.com OMRI Listed supplier of Organic soil amendments used when planting Orchards, Vineyards and Berry Farms. We also carry a large selection of bark mulches for ground cover. Visit us online at www.superiorpeat.com for more information.

Financial

Funding Programs

Insurance

Let’s talk business The Co-operators Solve Insurance

fccfinancing.ca | 1-855-230-6821

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

RBC ROYAL BANK RBC has 3 agricultural specialists in the Okanagan Brian Nowoselski South Okanagan/Similkameen 250-490-4404 brian.nowoselski@rbc.com Devon Sailer Kelowna/Central Okanagan 250-868-4196 devon.sailer@rbc.com Kathy Brewster Vernon/North Okanagan 250-558-4336 kathy.brewster@rbc.com

IAF is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization. Since 1996, we have been making strategic investments in support of innovative projects that benefit BC’s agriculture and agri-food industry. Funding is available through programs like the BC Government’s Buy Local Program, the BC Agrifoods Export Program and the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program under the Growing Forward 2 initiative. We’re here to help you and your sector become more competitive and sustainable, talk to us about your project idea today!

www.rbcroyalbank.com/agriculture

Insurance

Robert Fiume TD Canada Trust – Agriculture Services 1633 Ellis Street, Unit 100 Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A8 Phone: 250-763-4241 Ext 305 Cell Phone: 250-681-4656 Fax number: 250-712-5470 Jeremy.Siddall@td.com www.tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture/ We are dedicated to helping you achieve your business goals and create a flexible and customized banking solution that is right for your farming operation.

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

120-1640 Leckie Road Kelowna, BC V1X 7C6 Phone: 250-861-3777 Toll free: 1-866-582-3777 Fax number: 250-861-3715 solve_ins_kelowna@cooperators.ca www.cooperators.ca/en/solve-insurance We offer all lines of insurance and our specialists can customize your insurance portfolio to meet your specific needs. We have three convenient locations to help serve you in the Okanagan Valley: two in Kelowna and one in the West Kelowna. We look forward to seeing you in our offices, talking to you on the phone or corresponding through email. If you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss your personal insurance needs or if you would like a quote, please feel free to contact us.

Irrigation

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 state-of-the-art of irrigation by saving water, saving energy and doing a better job of irrigating.

2015 Buyers’ Guide

Work with the leading lender to agriculture, agribusiness and agri-food in Canada.

Spring 2015 33

Irrigation

Juicing

Nulton Irrigation (B.C.) Ltd

Okanagan Mobile Juicing Inc.

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.

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 operation, making fresh juice from your fruit. Our clean, professional service provides you with a pasteurized, packaged product, ready for resale or personal use. We process cherries, berries, apples and pears, are certified organic, and have several packaging options including 1.5L pouches, 3L, 5L bagin-box as well as bulk raw pressing for ciders and wines. Book early to reserve your preferred dates.

Nursery Supplies

Inland Desert Nursery 32508 W. Kelly Rd Benton City, WA USA 99320 Phone: 509-588-6615 Fax: 509-588-4529 sales@idnursery.com www.idnursery.com Family owned and operated, Inland Desert Nursery supplies the cleanest and healthiest grapevines available to growers across North America. We also provide an extraordinarily high level of knowledgeable service to customers. Our success depends on helping growers develop the sustainable, high-quality vineyards upon which their success depends.

Labels & Labeling Equipment

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

2015 Buyers’ Guide

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.

Universal Packaging 1810 Kosmina Road Vernon, BC V1T 8T2 Toll free: 1-866-549-1323 Fax: 1-877-260-8777 sales@thinkuniversal.com www.thinkuniversal.com Universal Packaging has been supplying packaging solutions to beverage companies since 1985. Over the years, we have invested in innovative technology and our team to become one of the largest screen printers in North America. From start to finish, we are your one-stop shop ask us about screen printing, bottles, cartons, Vinoseal closures and more!

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34 Spring 2015

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

Nursery Supplies

Orchard Supplies

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

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.

Organics

Packaging, Containers & Boxes

Vintage Nurseries 27920 McCombs Ave. Wasco, CA 93280 Phone: 661-758-4777 Toll free: 1-800-499-9019 Fax: 661-758-4999 dhooper@vintagenurseries.com www.vintagenurseries.com Vintage Nurseries is one of North America’s largest producers of dormant field-grown benchgrafts. They also produce greenhouse-grown benchgrafts, rootstock rootings, own-rooted vines, and cuttings, and currently offer a wide selection of popular varieties, new table grape releases, and other table and raisin grape varieties.

1460 Tucker Rd Hood River, OR 97031 Phone: 541-386-2733 Toll Free: 800-354-2733 Fax: 541-386-4862 tallman@tallmanladders.com www.tallmanladders.com Since 1954 our family has manufactured Aluminum Tripod Orchard Ladders with the same goals in mind: safety, quality and affordability. We are the ladder most preferred by growers and workers alike. Tallman’s superior design assures ease of handling, stability and longevity. Step UP to Quality. Step UP to a Tallman.

Century Plastics Ltd 12291 Horseshoe Way Richmond, BC V7A 4V4 Phone: 604-271-1324 Fax: 604-271-2999 century@centuryplastics.ca www.centuryplastics.ca Established in 1975. Locally owned, rotational molding company that has designed & manufactured all our high quality, durable plastic products at our plant in Richmond, BC for 40 years. CPL manufactures a wide range of POTABLE water & liquid storage tanks, rain barrels, bins & shippers. Our blueberry bins are used by processors in the BC Fraser Valley.

2015 Buyers’ Guide

Tallman Ladders Inc.

Spring 2015 35

Packaging, Containers & Boxes

Great Little Box Company 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@glbc.com www.glbc.com With over 30 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.

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 (appleblueberry-blackberry-cherry-graperaspberry-strawberry-tomato).

Richards Packaging

Mountain Pine Mfg

2015 Buyers’ Guide

7636 Horne St Mission, BC V2V 3Y9 Phone: 604-751-2041 mountainpinemfg@gmail.com www.mountainpinemfg.com Fine quality pine, 6, 12, or 15 bottle, wine and beer crates, vertical or horizontal, 1 to 6 bottle wine gift boxes either, hinged or sliding lid, custom corporate gifting pkg with logos., product display equip, and custom design service. Serving wine producers, retailers and ubrews.

36 Spring 2015

#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. Good Things Come in Richard’s Packaging

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.

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.

Packaging, Containers & Boxes

Pesticides

Engage Agro Corporation

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!

Pest Control

Photography

N.M. Bartlett Inc.

Phone: 530-667-5181 Toll Free: 855-667-5181 allen@hmgophercontrol.com hmgophercontrol.com Stop burrowing rodents from stealing your profits. No poison baits, no explosions, simple to operate. Burrow systems are probed in multiple locations. Crops stands are undamaged, not dug out. The most effective, safe way to kill burrowing rodents. Control ground squirrels, gophers, prairie dogs, moles and voles using pressurized exhaust gas.

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.

Okanagan • Vancouver Palm Springs • Hawaii Kim Elsasser Phone: 250-870-8616 KimElsasser@me.com www.kimsphotography.com • Portraits on your Farm or Winery Property • Corporate Portraits • Boardroom Art • Family • Wedding • Destination Photography International Award Winning Artist

2015 Buyers’ Guide

H & M Gopher Control

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

Spring 2015 37

Real Estate

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

Refrigeration

KOOLJET Refrigeration Inc. 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 Hydro-Coolers, Wine Tank Chillers, and Room Coolers.

Refrigeration

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

cellar•tek east

2015 Buyers’ Guide

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

38 Spring 2015

Restoration

WINMAR Property Restoration Specialists 1-1350 Industrial Road West Kelowna, BC V1Z 1G5 Phone: 250-862-3500 Toll free: 1-877-862-3530 Fax number: 778-755-5774 kelowna@winmar.ca www.winmar.ca WINMAR is a full service restoration company servicing Penticton to Vernon. Common emergencies related damages include: Fire, Smoke, Water, Wind, Asbestos, Mold. With 21 service vehicles and certified staff, our team knows how to restore your damaged area to like-new condition. From a flooded storage room to an unfortunate building fire – WINMAR is at your service 24/7.

Soil & Soil Testing

Frozen, Refrigerated and Dry Storage Facilities

Rancho Cooling & Warehouse Ltd. 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.

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.

Soil & Soil Testing

Storage

Frozen, Refrigerated and Dry Storage Facilities

Rancho Cooling & Warehouse Ltd. 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.

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.

Spreaders

Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

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

Kubota Canada Ltd.

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.

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.

2015 Buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guide

Whatcom Manufacturing Inc.

Spring 2015 39

Tractors, Sprayers & Machinery

Mahindra Canada Penticton, BC V2A 2V6 Phone: 250-328-4732 mark.potter@mahindrausa.com www.mahindracanada.ca The #1 selling tractor in the world. Across continents, fields and farmland, Mahindra helps people get the job done right and connects them to their passion - the land they work and love! Under 40 hp models are built in Japan by Mitsubishi. Over 40 hp tractors are built in India. • Winner of The Deming Prize 2003 • Japan Quality Medal Winner 2007

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.

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.

PrairieCoast Equipment Superior Quality. Trusted Tradition www.prairiecoastequipment.com Kamloops • Kelowna Abbotsford • Langley TOLL FREE 1-877-553-3373 Find us on Facebook and Twitter!

2015 Buyers’ Guide

Matsqui Ag Repair Ltd. 34856 Harris Rd. Abbotsford, BC V3G 1R7 Phone: 604-826-3281 Fax: 604-826-0705 dave.matsquiagrepair@shaw.ca www.matsquiagrepair.com

Your Local John Deere Dealer For Sales, Service and Parts. Selling Specialty sprayers and Tractors, and mowers for Orchard, Berry, and Vineyard growers.

Authorized Sales, Service and Parts for Deutz-Fahr, McCormick, Kioti, Kuhn and McHale equipment. New and used equipment sales. Servicing the Okanagan and Fraser Valley since 1989.

40 Spring 2015

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

Trailers

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

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/ ATAGO is celebrating our 75th year as the last word in refractometer usability, reliability, and innovation. Whether in the field or the lab, our extensive array of rugged and elegant instruments means ATAGO is instrumental in keeping your quality assured.

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

Travel & Tourism

Vineyard Installation

Gerardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equipment

200-1262 St Paul Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 2C9 Phone: 250-862-8941 Toll free: 1-800-469-7830 info@greentourismcanada.ca www.greentourismcanada.ca As one of the first sustainable tourism certification programs in the world, Green Tourism has always been a leader in making it easy for businesses and travellers to make a difference. The Green Tourism program offers third party assessments and recommendations to tourism businesses on how to make their operations more sustainable, while still delivering a high quality of service.

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.

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.

2015 Buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guide

Green Tourism Canada

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

Spring 2015 41

Viticulture

Providing Canadian Grapevine Solutions

Wind Machines

WEB Metal Fabricators Ltd. Factory Authorized Dealer

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 Producers of Canadian grafted and own rooted Grapevines. Importers of grapevines from Europe and the United States for sale across Canada. We also offer custom grafting, potted grapevines, trellising material and planting.

Wind Machines

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.

Winery Equipment

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

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

John Brooks Company Bowtie Tech Corp 15210 - 97 Street Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V2 Phone: 250-495-6459 info@bowtietech.com • Tractor & Ag equipment parts and repairs • Pruners and pruner parts

2015 Buyers’ Guide

• 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

42 Spring 2015

Mon - Fri 7am to 5pm Sat 7am - Noon

6908 Palm Avenue Burnaby, BC V5J 4M3 Phone: 604-473-9463 Toll Free: 1-866-55GRAPE Fax: 604-433-2810 info@bosagrape.com www.bosagrape.com Ingredients, supplies, labware and equipment for the winemaker, brewer and professional distiller. For convenience, use our online catalog and have us ship your order. For a great experience come in person and see our vast showroom/warehouse and pick up your items immediately. We serve fruit processors, vinegar makers, amateurs/hobbyist’s and professionals alike. Our product selection can’t be beat.

6736 - 59 Street Edmonton, AB T6B 3N6 Phone: 604-314-9537 Toll free: 1-877-624-5757 sfaulks@johnbrooks.ca www.johnbrooks.ca Clean fast, save water, and eliminate manual cleaning with high-impact tank and barrel cleaning machines by Gamajet and Toftejorg, part of the Alfa Laval Group. Fluid-driven machines scour the entire interior in a 360-degree pattern, eliminating crosscontamination, microbial growth, and stubborn tartrates. All machines are backed by our world-class customer service.

Winery Equipment

Winery Services

Winery Supplies

Constellation Laboratories High Pressure Solutions Ltd. 7710 204 Street Langley, BC V2Y 1W6 Phone: 604.767.3019 Steve Phone: 778.809.0352 Glenn hpssteveclark@gmail.com www.highpressuresolutions.ca High Pressure Solutions offers only superior products in the cleaning industry. HPS distributes the highest quality equipment such as Aaladin, Proceco, Mosmatic, hot water pressure washers, dedicated steamers, stationary cleaning equipment, eco-green cleaning solutions, wine barrel sanitization and all their parts and accessories. With over 40 years experience in the cleaning industry you can trust that HPS will find the solutions for your specific needs. Find us today at highpressuresolutions.ca!

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Winery Supplies

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A.O. Wilson Ltd 9597 17TH Sideroad Erin, ON, N0B 1T0 Phone: 1-885-857-1511 (519-833-0400) Fax : 519-833-2502 headoffice@aowilson.ca 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, cleaning agents and more. Be sure to check out our new website www.aowilson.ca

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

2015 Buyers’ Guide

The Professional’s Choice For Advanced Winemaking Solutions

Spring 2015 43

Winery Supplies

Nuance Winery Supplies Inc. Enartis Vinquiry 7795 Bell Road Windsor, CA 95492 Phone: 707-838-6312 Fax: 707-838-1765 libby.spencer@enartisvinquiry.com www.enartisvinquiry.com Enartis Vinquiry is a one-stop-shop for winemakers through our laboratory services, consulting and winemaking supplies. Enartis winemaking products are represented world-wide with premium yeast, nutrients, bacteria, enzymes, tannins, SO2, and more! Enartis Vinquiry’s Windsor laboratory is ISO accredited which verifies the high quality of analytical services we provide.

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

IDL Process Solutions Inc. Gusmer Enterprises

2015 Buyers’ Guide

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

44 Spring 2015

1164 Lee Street White Rock, BC V4B 4P4 Phone: (604) 538-2713 Fax: (604) 538-4517 Warehouse: 604-214-6437 info@idlconsulting.com www.idlconsulting.com/ Originally founded as IDL Consulting and later Incorporated. IDL has over 28 years of experience in wine making and fruit processing in Europe and America. IDL Consulting provides customers with innovative processing and treatment solutions to achieve quality products and to manage resulting waste streams. They also provide solutions for liquid-solids and liquid-liquid separation. Supplier of Yeasts, Fining Agents, Enzymes filtration materials for the wine, juice, beer and distilling industry.

The Professional’s Choice For Advanced Winemaking Solutions

FORSTBAUER FAMILY AFFAIR

Photos by Ronda Payne

Food & Farmers’ Markets

The Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm was founded in 1977 by Mary (above) and her husband Hans. They were pioneers in the early organic farming movement in B.C.

By Ronda Payne On an overcast March day in Chilliwack, as the sun makes its journey to the west and the light begins to fade, Mary Forstbauer walks and talks about the organic farm she and husband Hans have worked since 1989. They’ve been at this farming thing since the late 70s living in Abbotsford before settling here: south of Highway 1 and north of Cultus Lake. Their education, courtesy of trial and error, is now being passed on to third generation Forstbauer farmers. They’ve brought up 12 children on this farm where there’s a greater love for farming than for spending time indoors. Before video games or television even had a chance, the Forstbauer kids were hooked by farming. “I raised my children in 1,000 square feet,” Mary says recalling a time when her kids, now ages 23 to 44 were at home. “I don’t care much for a new

house. When our children were small we lived out in the fields. The house was for eating and sleeping.” Mary is the spokesperson for the Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm. She tours school groups and speaks at conferences about organic food and generally rallies behind the benefits of eating well and loving farming. Hans is much more behind the scenes, hiding in a greenhouse, planting zucchini seedlings during Orchard & Vine’s visit. Their son Travis is similar in his camera aversion. It took good timing and sweettalk to get a picture of him rolling by on the tractor. He and brother Niklaus work on the farm full-time. Other siblings join the fray when needed. Four are teachers, one is training to be a naturopath, two are in construction and at some point it’s easy to wonder how even Mary can keep it all straight. It isn’t just the Forstbauer children who

have a love for this land. Mary tells many stories of friends who come to visit mostly because being on the Forstbauer farm, even once, causes a desire to plunge hands into soil and start weeding, planting, harvesting. There’s plenty of that to do on the 122 acres – 90 is their own and the rest is rented. “When the boys started farming with us, we started renting [the additional land],” Mary says. “90 acres was enough for us before then.”

Spring 2015 45

We have strawberries right through to the middle or end of October. We have the first strawberries on the market and the last. Mary Forstbauer The Forstbauers grow vegetables here. And berries. And raise chickens for eggs. They sell 90 per cent of what they produce at farmers’ markets. “We grow a mixed garden,” she notes. “It’s the stuff we enjoy growing. When I pull my bunch carrots, I’m not into sorting them to size. It’s just much easier for us.” This ease is primarily what makes farmers’ markets the ideal sales outlet for the family’s organic produce. Plus, as Mary explains, when more specialized producers came on the scene it became harder to compete. Especially on price. “My competition is California and overseas,” says Mary. In addition to the farmers’ market sales, the Forstbauers sell some wholesale to restaurants, but pick up is at the markets. In the summer, they attend four markets on Saturdays, three on Sundays, one on Wednesdays and one on Thursdays. With their trailers and totes, this arrangement is a well-oiled machine. 46 Spring 2015

“I used to deliver… and used to sit in a loading dock for an hour waiting for my turn,” Mary explains. Growing organic isn’t cheap. The absence of chemicals doesn’t mean the absence of expenses and losses. “We look at crop failures of at least one crop a year,” Mary says, noting her pickling cuke crops failed two years running. “I could spray, I could even spray some of the organic sprays, but we don’t.” Instead compost tea, bio-dynamic preparations and some IPM methods are used to strengthen plants, enrich the soil and fight pests. There are two bee hives on the property for pollination and the greenhouse sides open up as needed for air flow and access. Woven landscape fabric is used and reused to control weeds, heat the soil and minimize the mud during harvest. The space between the greenhouses is planned as carefully as the greenhouse sizes themselves. The small tractor can fit through the greenhouse doors to as-

Inside the greenhouse at the Forstbauer Family Natural Food preparations and some IPM methods are used to strengthen

sist with the heavy labour and the spaces between allow for a microclimate where crops are planted that require less wind or more heat like the rhubarb just sprouting which will be sold next year. Crops within and outside of the greenhouses are rotated and aside from the hand-weeding done once crops begin to sprout, flame weeding is used to clear the unwanted greenery. Even the weather doesn’t tend to ruffle the feathers of this family. Mary notes she heard a news story where blueberry farmers were concerned due to the early spring. The Forstbauers take it all in stride. “I asked my husband, ‘are you worried about the [blueberry] crop?’ and he said no,” comments Mary. Don’t take this laidback attitude to mean the Forstbauers don’t care. They do. A great deal. But they also accept what Mother Nature dishes out as part of the challenges of farming. From their wide open fields to the 15 greenhouses, they know Mother Nature will take her due, like she did last year when she severely damaged two of the greenhouses. With that price comes reward. Strawberries always come early and stay late on this farm.

Farm where they use a compost tea, bio-dynamic plants, enrich the soil and fight pests.

“We have strawberries right through to the middle or end of October,” Mary says. “We have the first strawberries on the market and the last. We usually start selling around mid to end of May. We’re

at least a month ahead of that [the late June expectation for local strawberries].” This is where one of those friends who visits the farm regularly comes into play. She’s already weeded more than half of a 20 foot by 200 foot greenhouse of strawberries. “She comes and spends her leisure hours on the farm,” notes Mary. Sometimes the Forstbauers give her food and sometimes the friend comes with new ideas, like dried beans which the family now grows thanks to the idea. Instead of reading a book to relax, Mary’s friend visits the farm weeding and enjoying the atmosphere that seems to have some sort of alchemy to it. It isn’t all work and no play, mind you. Mary is quick to tell tales about getting chores done early then loading everyone in the car to spend a couple of hours at Cultus Lake. On one occasion, rain drove the family home from their outing early and part way home the kids shouted, “stop the car!” A lone neighbouring farmer was trying to get hay bales off his field before the rain soaked them. With the help of the Forstbauers it was done in minutes. Mary points out it was the kids who saw the need to help and ensured it happened. “We moved here with the intention of farming and that’s what we do,” Mary says. “It’s a great way to raise children.” ■

Spring 2015 47

THE WINE GRAPE PROJECT 2004

Grapes Flourish in the Lillooet By John Vielvoye Will grapes grow and survive in the Lillooet – Lytton region of BC? This was the basic question potential grape growers asked at a 2004 grape short course in Lytton where several speakers explained the basics of soils, climate and grape growing economics. Several meetings, discussions and planning sessions later a project was born. The goal; to evaluate grape varietals for growth in the Lillooet-Lytton region, and to monitor the climate at the test sites and at existing Environment Canada weather stations in Lytton and Lillooet. All of the viticulture aspects needed to evaluate the vines performance would be monitored and recorded, including wood maturity by early October, winter survival, dates of bloom and harvest, fruit sugar, total acid and pH, and the effects of wildlife such as wasps and bears. The critical climate characteristics of minimum winter temperature, length of the season with no frost and growing degree-days would also be recorded. The project was simply and aptly referred to as “The Grape Project”. Seed money came from a provincial grant of $30,000. By March 2005 a group of six people had examined potential test vineyard sites. Three sites were accepted. The first site overlooked the Thompson River near Skihst Provincial Park, east of Lytton, a second site was at the Ruddock Gold Pan Ranch, midway between Lytton and Lillooet and a third site was at the Roshard property located on a terrace above the Fraser River, in Lillooet. Participants included representatives from the Village of Lytton, the District of Lillooet, staff from several Provincial Government Ministries, FORREX (Forest research Extension partnership), local land owners and a consultant. Volunteers traveled to Oliver vineyards during the winter of 2004-05 to collect enough grape cuttings of Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Chancellor, Lemberger, Merlot, Pinot noir, Syrah, 48 Spring 2015

Weather Hawk and iButton at Grossier Farm Jan 24, 2008

Tinta Madera, Zweigeltrebe, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Cocseji Zamatos, Johannisberg Riesling, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Riesling Muscat and Sauvignon blanc. Fifty vines of each variety were planted in three test vineyards. In early 2005 Bylands Nursery rooted cuttings and in June delivered plants to the Roshard site in Lillooet. Planting took place at the Roshard site the same day and June 2 at the Ruddock Ranch. The site overlooking the Thompson River withdrew from the project leaving a large number of vines without a home. The surplus vines were nurseried at Ro-

shard Acres. Two additional land owners were added to the project, one at Fountain, east of Lillooet belonging to Jones & Brown and another on the west side of Lillooet known as the Pietila property. These sites were planted with varieties of the landowners’ choice. The rest of the vines were given away. Phase 1 The first phase of the project saw the collection and propagation of the cuttings and the purchase of three Weather Hawk weather stations to help monitor the climate at the Roshard and Ruddock test plantings and at the Grossler Hay Ranch

– Lytton Region

in Lillooet. Viticulture data was collected in 2005 and 2006, but problems with the weather stations prevented climate data collection at these sites. Phase 2 The second phase of the project began in 2007 as the British Columbia Grapegrowers’ Association agreed with a request to make a grant application to Investment Agriculture and to carry the project forward. The project title was formalized to “Climate and Feasibility Assessment of Growing Grapes in the Lillooet – Lytton Area.” Funding was approved to 2009, and a funding extension was later approved to 2011. The goal and the objectives of the project remained the same but the scope of the project was expanded to collect weather data from a network of I-buttons, (one cent sized temperature recorders also called data loggers), over a much larger area. The project participation was expanded in 2007 to include representatives from the Pacific AgriFood Research Centre (PARC) in Summerland, who designed temperature shields for the I-buttons. PARC would receive, process and retain all climate data and would analyze fruit samples at the end of harvest for sugar, total acid and pH.

Photos Contributed

Photo by Brad Kasselman/coastphoto.com

A representative from the former British Columbia Ministry of Jobs Tourism and Innovation in Kamloops also joined the project team and diagnosed the problem with the existing Weather Hawk weather stations to be small batteries that were

Chardonnay at Roshard Site 2007.

Fort Berens Winery opened 2014.

Spring 2015 49

Myles Burns and Graham Strachan discuss battery housing for the Weather Hawk June 4, 2007.

Myles Burns downloads data from Davis Vantage Pro weathe

not able to hold their charge from the solar panels during the winter months due to a lack of sunshine. The batteries were replaced, and the stations worked well for the duration of the project.

ery began in late May 2009 and continued into 2010. Vine growth came to a sudden stop at the Ruddock vineyard in July 2009 as a result of an accidental application of a herbicide not licensed for use in vineyards. All vines except six rows of red varieties in this test planting died. Vineyard observation at this site was discontinued, but the recording of climate data continued. Twelve additional Hobo Pro 2 data loggers were added to the climate network in 2010 and the grape varieties Petite Verdot and Viognier were added to the Roshard site. Monitoring of the remaining test vineyards and the climate collection continued until the project completion in March 2011. Harvest grape samples were collected annually and sent to PARC where official harvest quality determinations were made for sugar content, total acid and pH.

He also provided useful maps for the project area, downloaded climate data from the five larger weather stations every two months and emailed that data to a technician at PARC, Summerland. Two additional Vantage Pro 2 weather stations were provided by the Fraser Basin Council and were deployed at the Halfway Ranch midway between Lillooet and Lytton and at the Diamond S Ranch midway between Lillooet and Pavillion. A project technician was hired to assist in recording observations at the test vineyards and to install and download climate data from eighty nine I-buttons located on private property and at various elevations extending from 15 km south of Lytton to 80 km north of Lillooet along the Fraser River, part of the Thompson River near Lytton, into the Botany Valley near Lytton and along part of the Bridge River Valley just north of Lillooet and email the data to the technician at PARC, Summerland every 4 months. Winter Temperatures Minimum winter temperatures during December of 2008 reached -31.36 C at the most northerly portion of the study 50 Spring 2015

area; -26.5 C at the Brown/Jones site; -24.6 C at the Roshard site; -25.7 C at the Pietila site; -23.5 C and -21.28 C at the Ruddock site. Minimum temperatures at the Environment Canada weather stations at Lillooet reached -24.6 C and -23.5 C. at Lytton. The warmest I-button site recorded -22.1 C and was located near Lytton. Minimum temperatures reported from other Environment Canada weather stations included Kamloops Airport -26.5C, Kelowna AWOS -30.6 C Penticton Airport -21.6 C, Osoyoos CS -21.7C. Anecdotal information from grape growers report winter temperatures of -29 C in East Kelowna and -24 C in vineyards on the upper benches in Oliver and Osoyoos with reports that many young vines suffered severe bud damage. The warmest winter temperatures of -17C were reported from Okanagan Center and along the Naramata bench. Vine Damage, Recovery and Testing Extensive damage occurred to all the Vitis vinifera selections at the Roshard, Pietila and Jones/Brown test sites, but lesser damage at the Ruddock ranch site. Foch planted in 1972 at the Roshard site was not damaged. The damage caused by the low winter temperatures illustrated the risk associated with growing grapes and the philosophy that grape varieties should be matched to the climatic conditions of the site. Vine recov-

Solar Radiation Mapping In 2009 Professional Agrologist David Whiting offered to produce solar radiation maps for the study area in support of this project. David assembled a team of volunteers and together they produced 36 calculated solar radiation maps. Dave Whiting P.Ag. and Associates divided the study area into three sections and produced three map sheets for each month of the year showing spring, summer and winter solar radiation. Each map sheet has a legend, identifies the location and

Bob Roshard the father of the Lillooet- Lytton grape industry standing in the Foche planting of 1972.

er station.

number of the I-buttons and weather stations used in the grape project and a table with the project summary data for growing degree days, frost free period and extreme minimum winter temperature. The maps were completed and published in 2011 and are available free of charge for viewing or download from Whitingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web site. Each map is designed to be plotted on 34 by 55 inch paper at a scale of 1:50,000. Harvest Data Summary viticulture data showed that Foch was the only variety to produce a full crop each year during the test period. Mid-season and early maturing varieties generally matured with a higher brix compared to late maturing varieties, with the exception of merlot which had acceptable brix values most years. Harvest dates ranged from late September to early October for Riesling Muscat, Pinot Gris, Foch and GewĂźrztraminer to mid October and late October for all other varieties. October sixteen was the cut off date for late varieties due to concerns for fall frost, which on average occurred by Oct. 21 in Lillooet. Varieties that did not meet commercial harvest standards were picked on the 16th of October. Early to mid-season varieties appeared to be best suited to the Lillooet area while later maturing selections may be better suited to the Lytton area.

Calculated solar radiation mapping for February and August. Solar maps are available for download.

Growing Degree Days Climate data results show that all areas except part of the Botany valley near Lytton have a sufficient number of growing degree days for a range of Vitis Vinifera selections. All areas have a sufficient number of days with no frost, but minimum winter temperatures limited the area for the production of European (Vitis vinifera) grape selections to sites between Lillooet and Lytton. Foch would be suited to some areas near Fountain

and areas south as far as Lytton. All of the study area from Big Bar in the north to areas south of Lytton including the sites that recorded minimum winter temperatures of -31.3 C would be suitable for some of the hardy hybrid wine grape selections developed by plant breeders such as Elmer Swenson in Wisconsin (e.g. varieties Adalmiina, ES 10-18-30, Louise Swenson, and vines such as Vandal-Cliche and Baltica developed by others) and all of the hardy wine selections introduced by the University of Minnesota. (MarSpring 2015 51

• Cabernet Franc • Cabernet Sauvignon • Chardonnay • Gamay • Gewürztraminer • Malbec • Merlot • Muscat Ottonel

• Orange Muscat • Pinot Blanc • Pinot Gris • Pinot Noir • Riesling • Sauvignon Blanc • Sovereign Coronation • Seyval Blanc

• Shiraz • Syrah • Vidal • Viognier • Zinfandel • Zweigelt

NOTE: Many different clones are available. Rootstocks available are SO4 and 3309

contact:

MORI VINES INC. R.R.#3, 1912 Concession 4, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0 Phone: (905) 468-0822 Fax: (905) 468-0344 email: morivines@sympatico.ca • www.morivines.com

Extenda Pack Gases For the winemaking industry

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

1-800-225-8247

www.praxair.com 52 Spring 2015

Hardy variety Frontenac is suitable for growing in cold winter areas.

quette, Frontenac, Frontenac gris, LaCrescent) as well as Frontenac Blanc, a bud mutation of Frontenac found in a vineyard in Quebec. These varieties are making wines in other areas that even a vinifera wine aficionado can appreciate in areas once considered unsuitable for wine grape production. These hardy varieties are entirely reliable in areas where grape growers hover around their weather station, stressing over the possibility of bud or cane damage during cold winter weather episodes. Research Results in New Winery There were field days and many visitors; among them a young Dutch couple who came to visit the Roshard site in 2008. Rolf de Bruin and Heleen Pannekoek were pursuing a dream to invest in a vineyard and winery and were looking for a site to fulfill their dreams. They liked what they saw, and shortly afterwards invested in 20 acres of land and developed the Fort Berens Estate Vineyard. Soon afterwards they added the first winery in the region, and newspaper headlines soon followed: “Wine from Lillooet?” Numerous gold and silver medal awards for their wines followed, including The Lieutenant Governor award for wine excellence. Activities during the beginning phase were published by Don Gayton of Forrex, in the FORREX Newsletter under the title “Innovation and elbow grease bring viticulture project alive” page 14 -15, Summer 2005, Vol. 7 Issue 1 and can be found in the library pages of Forrex. WWW.forrex.org ■ All data from phase two of this project (2007 – 2011) was published annually in progress reports Progress reports and a summary report can be viewed and downloaded from the following web sites. Association of British Columbia Grapegrowers http://www.grapegrowers.bc.ca/growers/llcfa.htm British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture www.al.gov.bc.ca/grape/factsheets.htm District of Lillooet www.lillooetbc.ca/Business-Investment/Agriculture-ViticultureDevelopment.aspx Village of Lytton http://www.lytton.ca/siteengine./activepage.asp?PageID=78 Fraser Basin http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/resources_publications.html. Solar Radiation Maps www.solarradiationmapping.ca/lillooet---lytton-maps-2/

PARC Rootstock Research Results

Dr. Cheryl Hampson Research Scientist, Science and Technology Branch Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Summerland BC In B.C., growers are chiefly interested in dwarf and semi-dwarf trees to suit high density plantings such as super spindle orchards. Ideally, we want a rootstock with all the good traits of M.9 (rootstock), but with more resistance to fire blight and apple replant syndrome, and ideally greater winter hardiness. The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research centre at Summerland, B.C., has long been a participant in the USDA NC-140 series of collaborative uniform trials of tree fruit rootstocks (www. nc140.org). These trials are a useful way of acquiring new rootstocks to try, and generating practical site-specific data on performance. There are many locations in the trials, each with its own set of production challenges, which helps to identify rootstock strengths and weaknesses more quickly. A recent example is the detection of brittle graft unions with some rootstocks, when high winds asso

ciated with a passing hurricane hit some trial sites in the southeastern USA. Certain locations have frequent episodes of fire blight or winter damage, and their reports yield useful information to the whole group. Here we report the findings from the Summerland site for the NC-140 apple trials planted in 2002 and 2003. In addition, a small independent rootstock trial is described: a trial of four Vineland rootstocks (bred at AAFC in Vineland, ON many years ago). The 2002 NC-140 trial had ‘Buckeye Gala’ as the scion on 10 rootstocks, and the 2003 trial tested 18 rootstocks with ‘Golden Delicious’ as the scion. In both of these trials, the trees were trained as vertical axes, supported by a post-and-wire trellis. Irrigation and sprays followed local commercial practices. The trees were de-fruited in their second leaf to encourage tree growth and prevent stunting. In later years, the trees were spray thinned at bloom or (in some years) at the young fruitlet stage. Follow-up hand thinning was done to achieve a suitable crop load, generally spaced as one fruit every 6 inches (15 cm) of branch length, in sin

Dr. Cheryl Hampson

gle-fruit clusters. Thinning was normally completed by early July. Root suckers were counted every year in August and then removed (the cumulative number is shown in the tables.) The fruit from each tree was counted during harvest, then weighed, to get yield per tree and average fruit size. The yields were summed over all 8 cropping years. Cumulative yield divided by trunk girth (cumulative yield efficiency) is a measure of the production of fruit relative to the size of the tree. The rootstocks in these trials were sourced from a variety of countries, including the USA (Cornell-Geneva rootstocks, indicated by “G” or “CG”), Germany (“Pi Spring 2015 53

Au” and Supporter rootstocks), Poland (“P” rootstocks), Russia (Budagovsky (B.) rootstocks), the Czech Republic (“J-TE-” series) and Japan (Morioka rootstocks, or “JM”). Standards were M.9 and M.26. Sub-clones of M.9, M.26 and B.9 from different source nurseries or programs were also tested to see if they differed significantly. The final results (after 10 growing seasons) from these trials are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

4, suckering was also low and fruit size was good, but greater rates of tree mortality occurred. P.14 was also slow to come into bearing (low precocity). Tree survival on V.4 was good, but these trees also had low precocity, moderate suckering, and smaller fruit size. Trees more vigorous than M.26 are typically not used for high density plantings like super spindle.

The small trial of Vineland (“V.”) rootstocks was planted in 2003. It was managed in the same way as the two NC-140 plantings, but we propagated the trees in our own nursery, and the scion was ‘8S6923’ (fruit trade name Aurora Golden Gala™). The Vineland rootstock trial was ended after 8 growing seasons, and the results are shown in Table 3.

The rootstocks CG.6210, J-TE-H, CG.5935, Pi 51-11, V.1 and V.2 all produced trees similar in size to those on M.26. Some (but 100

TCA(cm2)

The Summerland results for the three completed trials are summarized below by vigor category. The trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) is generally used as an indication of aboveground tree size. Note that rootstock performance varies quite a lot from location to location. The results from other test sites can be viewed at the NC-140 web site (www.nc140.org). For commercial use, it is always wise to do one’s own small test planting when trying a new rootstock, before making a significant investment. Management and site factors can affect the rootstock performance profoundly in ways that are not always easy to predict.

Rootstocks with vigor similar to M.26 or slightly smaller

B.9-Europe

B-9-Treco

M.9-T337

M9-Nic29

M.26-NAKB

M.9-B756

M26 EMLA

P.14

JM2

Trees on Pi 56-83, Pi 51-4, JM.2, P.14 and V.4 were significantly larger than trees on M.26. Supporter 4 may also be in this category. Average trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) of Supporter 4 was bigger than M.26 but the difference was not statistically significant. All these rootstocks had low cumulative yield efficiency (CYE), which indicates they had low production relative to tree size. Trees on both Pi stocks and JM.2 had good survival, low suckering, and good fruit size. With P.14 and Supporter

Supporter 4

Rootstocks more vigorous than M.26

ROOTSTOCK

TRUNK CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA FOR ROYAL GALA AFTER 10 GROWING SEASONS

Table 1. Growth of ‘Buckeye Gala’ on various rootstocks at Summerland, 2011. Trees were planted in 2002. Rootstocks are sorted in descending order of TCSA. Standard stocks are in boldface type. Averages within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different. Rootstock TCSA cm2

Range in cumu. no. of root suckers/tree

Cumulative CYE Survival yield to 2011 (kg/cm2 TCSA) living/trees planted (kg/tree)

Average fruit weight 2005-11 (g)

JM2

91.1 a

0 to 13

249.2 a

2.77 e

4/4

188 a

P.14

76.2 b

0 to 10

237.3 ab

3.09 de

5/7

195 a

Supporter 4

60.3 c

0 to 12

205.8 bc

3.53 cd

4/7

188 a

M26 EMLA

49.8 cd

0 to 10

181.7 cd

3.67 bcd

6/7

186 a

M.9-B756

46.4 de

0 to 25

193.4 c

4.27 b

7/7

197 a

M.26-NAKB

43.9 de

0 to 9

184.8 cd

4.03 bc

7/7

191 a

M9-Nic29

43.1 de

0 to 85

179.4 cd

4.24 b

7/7

194 a

M.9-T337

36.9 def

10 to 30

181.9 cd

5.06 a

6/7

196 a

B-9-Treco

34.2 ef

1 to 15

187.1 c

5.51 a

5/7

189 a

B.9-Europe

29.1 f

10 to 45

145.0 d

5.09 a

7/7

191 a

54 Spring 2015

Table 2. Performance of ‘Golden Delicious’ on 18 dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks at Summerland, 2012. The trees were planted in 2003. Standard stocks are in boldface type. Rootstocks are sorted in descending order of TCSA. Averages within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different. Rootstock TCSA cm2

Range in cumu no. of root suckers/tree

Cumulative CYE Survival yield to 2012 (kg/cm2 TCSA) living/trees planted (kg/tree)

Pi 56-83

134.8 a

0 to 10

211.3 bcd

1.63 h

7/8

237 abcd

JM2

133.8 a

0 to 27

250.6 ab

1.93 h

7/8

247 a

Pi 51-4

128.3 a

0 to 48

271.1 a

2.15 h

7/7

246 ab

J-TE-H

55.6 b

9 to 69

187.6 cde

3.49 g

8/8

234 cde

CG 6210

54.8 bc

44 to 111

211.4 bcd

3.98 fg

6/7

242 abcd

M.26

54.3 bcd

0 to 13

208.5 bcd

4.05 fg

8/8

237 abcd

CG.5935

50.3 b-e

15 to 116

249.1 ab

4.96 cde

7/7

238 abcd

Pi 51-11

50.2 b-e

17 to 176

169.5 cdef

3.64 g

7/8

231 def

JM 7

47.4 b-f

0 to 17

201.7 cde

4.27 d-g

5/7

237 adcd

CG.3041

45.3 b-f

0 to 20

213.9 bc

4.77 c-f

7/8

244 abc

G.16

40.6 c-f

8 to 112

155.4 ef

3.82 g

5/8

224 ef

JM.8

39.7 b-f

7 to 50

164.3 def

4.11 efg

3/6

222 f

M.9 Paj2

38.4 ef

22 to 101

176.9 cde

4.74 c-f

8/8

237 abcd

B.62396

35.6 efg

1 to 41

185.3 cde

5.25 bc

7/8

243 abc

M.9-T337

33.5 fg

13 to 77

159.7 ef

5.04 cd

7/8

235 bcde

B.9

21.3 gh

25 to 106

123.7 fg

6.07 ab

8/8

223 ef

J-TEG

15.3 h

0 to 1

97.0 gh

6.52 a

6/7

244 abc

JM.1

12.8 h

0 to 9

65.0 h

5.38 bc

3/7

206 g

150

TRUNK CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA FOR GOLDEN DELICIOUS AFTER 10 GROWING SEASONS

120

TCA(cm2)

JM.1

J-TEG

B.9

M.9-T337

B.62396

M.9 Paj2

JM.8

G.16

CG.3041

JM 7

Pi 51-11

CG.5935

M.26

CG 6210

JTEH

Pi 514

JM2

Pi 5683

Average fruit weight 2005-11 (g)

not all) of the individual trees on CG.6210, CG.5935, Pi 51-11 and J-TE-H produced quite a few suckers. CG.5935 had very good yield and yield efficiency, being significantly better than M.26 in these respects. This rootstock has been commercially released as Geneva 935. It is said to be resistant to woolly apple aphids and fire blight, tolerant to replant and crown/ root rot, and cold hardy. V.1 and V.2 reduced fruit size slightly, but they had low suckering and otherwise performed well in our trial. The Vineland rootstocks are also reported to be more cold-hardy than M.9 and resistant to fire blight. They can be difficult to obtain commercially. JM.7 and JM.8 trees were intermediate between M.9 and M.26 in vigor. JM.8 cannot be recommended due to poor survival, and survival was only moderate for JM.7.

ROOTSTOCK

Spring 2015 55

Rootstocks with vigor similar to M.9 Rootstocks producing trees similar in size to trees on M.9 included CG.3041, G.16, B.62396, V.3, B.9 and M.9 sub-clones. The best new ones (aside from sub-clones) in our experience were CG.3041 and B.62396, which had good survival, high efficiency and possibly fewer root suckers than trees on M.9-T337, which is the M.9 sub-clone in most common use in the Okanagan Valley. CG.3041 has been commercially released as Geneva 41. It is said to be resistant to woolly apple aphids and fire blight, tolerant to replant and to crown/root rot, and cold hardy. V.3 was also good in most respects but it reduced fruit size slightly. Trees on G.16 had greater losses from tree mortality, and they also had smaller fruit, lower CYE and more suckering than M.9 in some cases. Geneva 16 is also commercially available. Trees on the M.9 sub-clones Pajam 2 and Nic 29 had an undesirable degree of suckering, but they were otherwise similar to M.9T337 in performance. (These two had larger trees on average than T337, but the difference was not statistically significant.)

er in all respects, except that those on B.9 Europe seemed to produce more suckers. Likewise the two M.26 sub-clones were not different from each other. Among the M.9 sub-clones, performance did not differ greatly. Nic 29 and Burgmer 756 may produce slightly larger trees than M.9-T337, and Nic 29 and Pajam 2 had a greater propensity for suckering. All had good CYE, fruit size and yield. New Trials We are currently participating in another NC-140 apple rootstock trial, which was planted in 2010, with ‘Honeycrisp’ as the scion. It is too early for conclusions from this trial, but it includes some new Geneva rootstocks and quite a few new rootstocks from the Russian Budagovsky series (the same program that produced B.9). We also have a small trial with some new rootstocks from Agriculture Canada in Quebec. Results from these trials will be available in future. ■

TRUNK CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA FOR 8S6923 AURORA GOLDEN GALA™ AFTER 8 GROWING SEASONS 100

Although our trees on B.9 had high CYE, they became stunted, with insufficient new growth and a trend to smaller fruit size and lower cumulative yield. The problem was not a lack of water, because all trees were irrigated. We have had variable results with B.9 in trials over the past couple of decades at the Summerland research station. On good soil, the trees can be slightly larger than those on M.9, but on coarse soils, they seem to lack sufficient extension growth and are liable to “runt out”. A few ‘Gala’ trees on B.9 snapped off at the bud union in a big windstorm one year.

V.3

The two sub-clones of B.9 were statistically similar to each oth-

V.1

Sub-clones of M.9, B.9 and M.26

V.2

M.9-T337

V.4

Rootstocks JM.1 and J-TE-G both produced trees significantly smaller than M.9, and too small to be of commercial interest to most growers in the Okanagan. Although trees on J-TE-G were too dwarfed (similar to trees on M.27 in size), they had virtually no suckering, and their survival and CYE were both superior to trees on JM.1. M.27 is known for inducing smaller fruit size on the scion than M.9, but J-TE-G had good fruit size. It would be worthy of testing if a very small tree was desired.

TCA(cm2)

Rootstocks with less vigor than M.9

ROOTSTOCK

Table 3. Performance of 8S6923 (Aurora Golden Gala™) on 5 rootstocks at Summerland, 2010. The trees were planted in 2003. Rootstocks are sorted in descending order of TCSA. The standard rootstock is in boldface type. Averages within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different.

Rootstock TCSA cm2

Range in cumu no. of root suckers/tree

Cumulative CYE Survival yield to 2010 (kg/cm2 TCSA) living/trees planted (kg/tree)

Average fruit weight 2005-11 (g)

V.4

93.4 a

22 to 55

173.2 a

1.90 c

6/6

203 b

V.2

45.0 b

0 to 23

142.9 b

3.18 b

6/6

204 b

V.1

43.5 b

0 to 23

132.6 bc

3.15 b

6/6

202 b

V.3

27.7 c

0 to 11

124.2 c

4.52 a

6/6

213 b

M.9-T337

26.2 c

1 to 46

128.8 bc

4.97 a

6/6

225 a

56 Spring 2015

Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits Arrive at Farmers’ Markets By Michael Botner

Dozens of Farmers' Markets in BC will now allow the sale of locally produced wine, beer and spirits. The big question for producers is, how to get in on this opportunity. The new rules came out of the BC government's Liquor Policy Review in 2014, and since then 39 Farmers' Markets across the province have confirmed they will allow liquor sales. Under the new regulations, says Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton, “Beer, wine, cider and spirits can be sampled and sold alongside fresh fruits and veggies at B.C. farmers’ markets.” Jon Bell, president of the B.C. Association of Farmers` Markets says many B.C. liquor producers are considering taking a stand at farmers’ markets as part of their marketing strategies in 2015, in view of the initial 2014 success of liquor sales and sampling. The final tally shows that “39 markets decided they would have liquor sales at their Farmers’ markets’ in 2014”, he said. Bell offers the following criteria for licensees (BC’s wineries and craft breweries and spirits) looking to sell their product at local farmers’ markets. 1. Confirm that the local market is a valid one and meets the definition of farmer’s market. They must be BC non-profits with at least 6 vendors with minimum hours of operation and number of markets a year. All products sold must be made, baked, grown, raised or wild-harvested within

Wineries, breweries and distilleries will find markets as a great place to become known and build a client base and then move to bigger venues. John Bell BC. Start by checking out the website for the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets (www.bcfarmersmarket.org), which provides policies and direction to be a successful farmers’ market, as well as that of

the local market you are interested in. 2. While a liquor license is not required, vendors must be accepted by the farmers’ market, which is self-governing under a board, and makes its own requirements

Spring 2015 57

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on who is in and what they want. “It is a two-way street,” says Bell. “You have to work it out with them to get their permission to be a vendor. Some, like the Kelowna Farmers’ Market, have a long line-up to get in.” 3. As farmers’ markets are registered as provincial non-profit organizations, Vendors must request the market’s society registration number.

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4. Determine that the market has permission to sell liquor in the location where it is held. Bell gave several examples: “If it is held in a church or school, it is likely that the landlord (school board or church board) does not allow liquor sales. On Granville Island, the federal government is the landlord and does not allow liquor sales at the Thursday farmers’ market, despite the fact that Artisan Sake Maker is sited on Railspur Alley. Municipal zoning and by-laws vary. For example, Kamloops is looking at it; Vancouver said they would look the other way this season to see how it works. The Whistler market gets 5-6,000 people a day milling around and spending.” 5. Determine when and where you are going to be on site. Will there be a wine garden hub, or should you ask the market to create one?

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7. Be sure to fill out a Farmers’ Market Authorization Request, a pdf document available at: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/lclb/docsforms/LCLB049c.pdf. It is an easy to follow, no hassle form, according to Bell. “The manager requires this piece of paper to get on site for liquor sales and sampling,” he points out. ■

MORE ABOUT FARMERS’ MARKETS: • Policing is not an issue. ”There are no rowdies; it’s so civilized,” says Bell. • Farmers’ markets are business incubators. Holy Crap breakfast cereal went from a stand at the Sechelt market 6-7 years ago to a $10 million company with international sales, Bell explains. • While table fees are low, they are usually higher for wineries, say $50 instead of $25.

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“ For the future of alcohol sales at farmer's markets, some wineries, breweries and distilleries will find markets as a great place to become known and build a client base and then move to bigger venues,” Bell says. “They can take advantage of low cost opportunities to trial their products with little financial risk. I see this area of farmer's markets as a growth sector with many more markets having liquor sales into the future.”

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6. “If you are planning to go to more than one farmers’ market, each will need a separate authorization,” Bell stresses.

 THE LEGAL VINE | DAVID M BROWN

Dealing With Addiction in the Workplace

Working in the Okanagan, there’s always an endless array of networking events, business functions, award galas and fundraisers to attend. While the purpose of these events varies, one constant among them is the ample supply of pinot noir and gewürztraminer. With so many occasions, it can be a little too easy to drink in the Okanagan.

Addictions as a Disability

Drug and alcohol addictions are far more common than many people may think. While some people with addictions may be considered “highfunctioning”, addictions can also have wide-reaching implications within organizations. These implications may include safety concerns, lower productivity, higher absenteeism, decreased morale and an impact on an organization’s image.

It is now clearly established that addictions are recognized as mental health issues under the BC Human Rights Code. In fact, we no longer look at addictions as a bad habit or a lack of selfcontrol, but rather a chronic, life-threatening disease. As with all disabilities, employers have a duty to accommodate persons with addictions and cannot discriminate against them because of their illness.

Addictions in the workplace lay at a complicated intersection of many areas of law, including human rights, privacy and workplace safety. They are also increasingly receiving the attention of our legal system. Here are some common concerns.

Recognizing this, when an employer becomes aware of addictions in their workforce, they must approach the issue with flexibility and balance. This may include providing the person with time away

from work, paying for addictions treatment and being fair when the person has setbacks or relapses. However, an addiction cannot be forever used as an excuse for misconduct and bad behaviour. While employers have a duty to accommodate, persons suffering from a disability also have an obligation to facilitate the accommodation process. For persons with addictions, this may mean seeking and abiding by a treatment program and making efforts to abstain. Addictions and Safety Substance abuse can also have a significantly negative impact on workplace safety, either by a person attending

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work impaired or by neglecting their well-being to the point where they are sleep deprived or malnourished. While safety should be a priority for all employers, some work environments (including agriculture, food processing or bottling) may rightfully be viewed as safety sensitive. Addictions can easily compromise the safety of the individual and their co-workers. Acknowledging this, employers have obligations under Occupational Health and Safety regulations to intervene when someone is suspected of being impaired while at work. This responsibility is two-fold, as employers have an over-arching duty to provide for a healthy and safe working environment, and they are also prohibited by Occupational Health and Safety regulations to knowingly allow a person affected by alcohol or drugs to remain at the workplace. Addictions and Privacy Given the safety concerns surrounding addictions, many employers have looked to random and mandatory testing of employees as part of their drug and alcohol policies. This practice, however, has been highly criticized of late and has been the focus of many court decisions, including the Supreme Court of Canada. In British Columbia, a person’s bodily fluids may be protected by the Personal Information Protection Act, which recognizes that with some exceptions, “an organization may not collect employee personal information without the consent of the individual”. If an employee refuses to provide a sample for drug and alcohol testing, can an employer insist on it being provided? There’s ongoing debate in the legal community with respect to that answer. Also, the Supreme Court of Canada has come out very strongly on the importance of privacy in employment related drug and alcohol testing. In one case on the use of a random alcohol testing policy, the Court reiterated that “the use of a person’s body without his consent to obtain information about him, invades an area of personal privacy essential to the maintenance of his human dignity” (Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Local 30 v. Irving Pulp & Paper, Ltd., [2013] 2 SCR 458). Any way you look at it, this is very strong language in favour of privacy concerns. Closing Remarks Addictions are complicated, as is the law surrounding addictions. This is particularly true for companies trying to maintain a sensitive balance between productivity, disability management, safety obligations and privacy concerns. An excellent practice is for management to put in place strategies and resources to deal with addictions in the workplace prior to having issues surface. This can include conducting an internal needs assessment, identifying safety-sensitive positions, confirming supports through Employee Assistance Programs or disability insurance plans, and developing a professional Alcohol and Drug Policy. ■ David M. Brown is an employment lawyer with the Kelowna law firm of Pushor Mitchell LLP. David regularly speaks and writes on a variety of employment issues and will be presenting a full-day workshop on Addictions in the Workplace in Whitehorse on May 5, 2015. Contact David at dbrown@pushormitchell.com.

 THE WORD ON WINE | MILES PRODAN

BC's Beer & Wine on Grocery Store Shelves must have 75% of sales coming from food products and must be a minimum of 10,000 square feet (a typical grocery store is about three times that square footage), and the grocery model will not apply to "big box" or convenience stores.

widely seen as a big win for the province’s wineries.

It’s been a year since Premier Christy Clark vowed to see B.C. beer and wine stocked on grocery store shelves. Clark made the promise while affirming her government would move to enact all 73 recommendations in MLA John Yap’s report on liquor and alcohol policy reform. The Premier cited public demand for grocery store liquor sales in a decision that was

Included with the announcement was the opportunity for grocery stores to also sell hard liquor, beer and other wines via a "store within a store" - a separate space with a controlled access point and separate till. Coveted grocery aisles’ retail shelf access at yet-to-be disclosed limited locations was to be restricted to B.C. VQA-certified 100% B.C. Wines, alongside food, starting in 2015 – with the addition of 100% B.C. Wine (including fruit wine), 100% B.C. Cider and 100% B.C. Craft Beer in the future.

As government wrestles with how to roll out grocery liquor sales in the New Year, there has been a lot of debate, discussion and teeth gnashing on exactly how to minimize any negative impact on current liquor retailers and industry in the province. To its credit, the B.C. government is looking to support the smaller B.C. Wine producers, which make up the majority of industry, (and their growing supply)

Since then, the government has determined that in order to be eligible, grocery stores

by providing prime grocery store shelf space access that enables them to get in front of buy-local supportive consumers. Concern over the changes stems from other markets (like Alberta) where grocery store wine sales caused major disruption in how wine is sold through the various established retail channels and negatively affected the profitability of those channels for suppliers. A recent report for the B.C. Private Liquor Store Association identified that the grocery store channel tends to favour large, established producers that can fill the high volume, low-price nature of the stores and that have the

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economies of scale to deliver on low profit margins with economic incentives to the retailer – in complete opposition to the typical BC VQA Wine producer. The report also points out that, in the end, market share of the grocery stores ends up being 65-70% of the entire retail wine market. That means there’s the very real potential of squeezing out BC’s existing network of freestanding and BC VQA-supportive private retail stores. While there is no denying the contribution the sale of BC Wine from grocery store shelves would provide to the BC Wine Industry, control of the licence by a grocery retailer could adversely affect BC Wine producers. That is because grocery retailers gear their market share towards the high volume, lower-priced products that the majority of the BC Wine industry does not produce. Fortunately for wine producers and wine lovers there is a simple solution through the well-established and popular BC VQA Wine Stores. Established 18 years ago for off-site winery stores (which later evolved into the 21 independently-operated stores that exist today) the BC VQA Wine Store model could be adapted quickly and easily for groceries. While the stores operate independently for the benefit of the B.C. Wine Industry, they cannot refuse to carry any B.C. VQA Wine and are required to provide equal and fair treatment to all SKUs – regardless of the winery-set price, margin or label. Furthermore, by using a BC VQA Wine Store licence for in-aisle grocery store sales, government wouldn’t have to break its liquor licence moratorium promise to industry, or its trade agreements. It would be a win-win-win. Grocery retailers get to sell wine, beer and spirits; consumers would get to experience award-winning BC Wines; and Premier Clark, Minister Suzanne Anton and the B.C. government would be able to deliver on their intent to support our province’s important and growing wine industry. ■ Miles Prodan is President & CEO of the British Columbia Wine Institute.

62 Spring 2015

 PEOPLE TALK | BARBARA ASHTON

Not Getting Along? 12 Sure-fire Ways to Resolve Workplace Conflict resolving conflict, it doesn’t always happen as quickly as we’d like it to. Having a structured conflict prevention and resolution program in place will go a long ways towards putting your workplace madness to bed, once and for all.

in values, opinions and ideas around what needs to be done and how it gets done. And well, some people are just plain easier to get along with than others.

Let's face it. With conflict being the number one cause of absenteeism, turnover and lost productivity, we could all stand to be a little happier in our workplace. Conflict is inevitable, normal and natural in any workplace that employs a group of people, arising out of unmet expectations and differences

Unfortunately, there is a tendency by too many owners and managers to stick their head in the sand, letting others ‘work things out’, or simply waiting for the passage of time to ease hurt feelings. This results in employees burying wounds, nurturing undealt with resentments, which results in highly toxic passive-aggressive behavior.

How to Quickly Resolve Your Workplace Conflict The outfall of conflict-driven stress resulting in resignations, absenteeism and reduced productivity leads the list of causes for failed business. This makes conflict management absolutely critical. Use these tips to move your conflict towards successful

While a positive resolution is always the ultimate goal in

closure.

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of it may freeze you in your tracks, studies have proven that being humble and showing vulnerability actually doesn’t kill you. 5. Accept Your Differences Relationships break down in the workplace primarily due to unmet expectations, generally caused by miscommunication. Accept that there really is no right or wrong, just different. 6. Don’t Assume Propose ideas and outline behavioural changes that you would like to see to resolve the conflict. Define what you feel are acceptable behaviours. 7. Don’t Hit Send Deal with the other person face to face or, if not possible, on the phone. Email and other forms of written communication fall prey to having the 'tone' being dangerously misinterpreted. 8. Stick to the Issues Big ears and a small mouth will help you stay on task and resist bringing in outside issues, especially when emotions are running high. 9. Look for the Cause Often unacceptable behaviours - chronic tardiness, absenteeism, inattention and errors- are symptoms of an underlying chronic issue (addiction) or personal issue (jealousy around favoritism). Empathy and sincerity go a long way here.

Cheers!

10. Choose the Hill You Want to Die On Stop and think things through before storming into your colleague’s office. Is it really that important?

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11. Call a Time Out Emotions often interfere with arriving at a productive resolution. If things are heating up, call a time-out and set a date to resume. 12. See Conflict as Opportunity I learn so much talking with candidates about how they handle conflict in their workplace. When conflict is poorly handled it can tear down a relationship, but when handled with respect and integrity, conflict provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between two people. ■ Barbara Ashton is the founder and CEO of Ashton & Associates, one of BC’s leading executive search and recruitment firms exclusively serving the unique hiring needs of Thompson Okanagan employers.

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Improving Food Safety and Sustainability

"The success realized by the CanadaGAP since 2008 continues to stand as an impressive achievement led by the Canadian Horticultural Council." Paul Leblanc, Chair of the Industry Standards and Food Safety Committee, CHC, March 11, 2015 It is hard to believe that food safety has only been in place nationally for 7 years. The CHC’s CanadaGAP initiative started when growers were being faced with multiple food safety requirements from retailers each putting their own spin on programs, and often without keeping in mind that practical programs are important. CHC took the lead for horticulture to es-

tablish a single, sensible food safety program. Sometimes I wonder how practical some parts of the food safety program are. As CHC President Keith Kuhls said, “Documentation is sometimes a pain, but we would rather be in charge of our own destiny than having someone else dictate to us”. So, my criticism is tempered when I consider the alternative of having to deal with multiple different retailer programs.

brokers) of fruit and vegetables is covered. Across Canada, there are 2,500 producers now enrolled, so fruit growers in B.C. represent about 20% of the CanadaGAP program. Many B.C. cherry producers are enrolled in other programs, such as GlobalGAP.

The CHC recently made the administration of the CanadaGAP food safety program independent when it established CanAgPlus, a standalone corporation.

Where the need for food safety programs has been driven by domestic and international retail buyers, the EFP program was developed in response to the many environmental regulations, and is seen as a program that shows your commitment to environmental protection (and also reduces liability of the grower for environmental issues that could arise).

Food safety programs (usually either the Canadian On-Farm Foods Safety program or GlobalGAP) and the Environmental Farm Plan Program are the core programs for growers.

Here is what we have built: CanadaGAP is a national program offering third party audit and certification. CanadaGAP meets the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards. CanadaGAP includes all parts of the value chain up to the retailer, so that everything from producing, packing, repacking, storing and wholesale (and soon,

These programs are complex and there is a lot of duplication between food safety and EFP programs.

The BCFGA and other associations have worked to simplify programs as much as possible, as well as lobby for adequate resources for the programs. Most growers will agree there is much work remaining to be done in the areas of simplification and program funding! Recently, the BCFGA Annual Convention proposed merging the EFP and food safety programs to eliminate duplication and reduce administration costs. The BCFGA discovered an electronic, “fillable forms” version of the food safety program while we were in Quebec at the Canadian Horticultural Council. The BCFGA is considering making this electronic version of the Food Safety Manual available to all members. It would eliminate paper, but also allow you to transfer the document to advisors by email. What do you think? There is much frustration with the current EFP program - especially the disruption in funding and the removal of

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the most beneficial of the BMPs for our tree fruit sector. This is an ongoing problem in which the BCFGA continues to seek solutions. In addition to food safety and EFP, other programs are being proposed, and these programs are voluntary, not mandatory. One program is the Tree Fruit and Nut Biosecurity program. The other is a sustainability program. Both are being dis-

cussed and developed with the input of association representatives, though biosecurity is more developed. The biosecurity program is being proposed to help interested producers to develop a plan to deal with risks of introduction of pests and diseases onto the farm. For example, when apple clearwing moth appeared on a farm in |the Glenmore-Ellison area several years ago,

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the grower decided to remove and burn the entire orchard that was infested. If the grower had a biosecurity plan, it may have prevented the introduction of the pest in the first place. TFN biosecurity will need to be narrow in scope, so that the amount of effort and paperwork required by growers who participate in the voluntary program will be minimized. Like the complexity that our sector faced in dealing with food safety, a new challenge is sustainability. According to the Canadian Horticulture Council, several grocery retailers are discussing sustainabiliy programs, and of course they woudl all be different. CHC has taken note of the many proposals being developed by retailers on sustainability. Profit, social, and environmental sustainability are core parts of the proposed program. It is intended to be a ‘module’ that can be ‘plugged into’ CanadaGAP. Growers at the CHC Annual Meeting emphasized that the idea of a sustainability program is not to harmonize, but to differentiate and add value to Canadian production. I invite input from BCFGA members on food safety, environmental, biosecurity and sustainability programs. ■ Fred Steele, Kelowna orchardist and President of the BCFGA

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