Over 100 farmers, including members of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, convened at a Kelowna, B.C., intersection, advocating for the survival of the cooperative amidst financial challenges. The cooperative, facing a $58 million debt, sought creditor protection, affecting approximately 300 Okanagan farmers during a critical harvest period. Concerns were raised about the insufficient capacity of smaller, private packing houses to accommodate the farmers' produce needs.
Kelly Wander, the rally organizer, emphasized the necessity of government intervention to safeguard the interests of Interior farmers. The recent mandate by B.C.'s Supreme Court for the cooperative to liquidate its assets, including a state-of-the-art packing house in Oliver, has heightened the urgency for governmental support. Farmers are urging the government to facilitate the cooperative's operational recovery through a structured loan repayment plan.
The plea for government action is driven by the potential for significant crop yields in the future, despite previous losses due to adverse weather conditions. The deadline for asset purchase bids is set for Nov. 15, with acquisition expected by Nov. 30. The farming community warns of severe repercussions for the industry should governmental assistance not materialize, with concerns over the future viability of farming and fruit production in the region. Plans to escalate their advocacy efforts include a possible tractor convoy to Victoria.
Source: Global News