BC Tree Fruits, a cooperative of more than 300 families that has been in operation since 1936, announced this week that it will be closing its doors. The company cited an inability to effectively operate the business moving forward as the reason for this decision. As a result, Okanagan orchardists are left wondering about their next steps, including who will accept, market, and ship this year’s fruit. Private fruit packers currently appear to be the only option available to farmers in the wake of BC Tree Fruits’ closure.
One orchardist, Mike Mitchell of Lake Country, explained that private businesses had previously tried to lure him away from BC Tree Fruits, but he had remained loyal to the cooperative. Mitchell expressed concerns about the quality of fruit being produced by private packers compared to BC Tree Fruits, emphasizing the importance of growing good quality fruit to stay afloat in the industry. He also mentioned that there may be a shift in the industry with some lower-grade fruit blocks being replanted into higher-value crops like cherries or premium apples.
Mitchell mentioned the possibility of starting a new packing entity with a group of growers as an alternative to BC Tree Fruits. This entity could be run as a private business rather than a cooperative, potentially providing growers with more control over their operations. B.C. agriculture minister Pam Alexis stated that the province will work with fruit growers to understand the impacts of BC Tree Fruits’ closure and provide support where possible. However, small farmers like Jennifer Deol of There and Back Again Farms in Kelowna expressed concerns about losing access to cold storage and distribution infrastructure needed to sell their crops to wholesalers.
Deol highlighted the logistical challenges faced by growers without the support of BC Tree Fruits, particularly in terms of storing and selling their crops. Without the cooperative, many growers may have to turn to private packers and risk receiving lower prices for their fruit, which already operate on thin profit margins. Deol emphasized the importance of finding outlets for their fruit to avoid spoilage and financial losses. The closure of BC Tree Fruits has forced farmers to scramble for solutions to handle their upcoming harvests and find ways to distribute their crops effectively.
The closure of BC Tree Fruits represents a significant loss for the B.C. fruit industry, affecting hundreds of families and disrupting the traditional supply chain for local fruits. As farmers grapple with the fallout from this closure, they are exploring alternative options and strategies to continue their operations. The potential shift towards private packing entities and the need for improved infrastructure to support small farmers are key challenges that the industry must address moving forward. The impact of BC Tree Fruits’ closure extends beyond just the immediate loss of a cooperative; it underscores broader issues within the agricultural sector that require innovative solutions and support from the government and industry stakeholders.
