Apple growers in Canada are set to engage in discussions about a proposed apple marketing commission during consultation sessions scheduled for January 30 in Oliver and January 31 in Winfield.
Derek Sturko of Inner Harbour Consulting, previously an assistant deputy minister in the province's agriculture ministry, has been appointed to facilitate this process. Inner Harbour Consulting has developed a comprehensive business plan for the proposed commission, available in English and Punjabi, detailing its structure and projected costs.
A separate report by Cascadia Partners, a Vancouver-based consulting firm, has been circulated among growers. This report addresses the anticipated impacts of the commission on the sector, highlighting issues such as inconsistent apple quality, competition among packing houses, and the absence of coordinated marketing efforts. These factors have affected grower returns and weakened BC growers' negotiating position with retailers, especially when compared to organized growers in Washington, which benefit from economies of scale and government support.
The proposed commission could potentially set quality standards, maintain records, and manage volume and pricing data, thus providing growers with a foundation for further actions. It might also establish minimum prices for apple sales, collect levies to fund its operations and develop promotion programs domestically and internationally. The levy, estimated at less than one cent per pound, could enable the BC apple industry to participate in a national apple promotion and research agency, accessing government marketing funds.
The BC Fruit Growers Association has handed over the consultation process to the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC and is maintaining a neutral stance. BCFGA general manager Melissa Tesche states, "It's important that growers are able to decide for themselves. We certainly encourage all growers to read the reports, attend the sessions, and ask questions so they can make an informed decision."
Source: Country Life in BC