The retiring president of the BC Fruit Growers Association paints a picture of an industry that has bounced back after some very dark days.
Fred Steele, told the 129th BCFGA convention in Kelowna Friday,  “Four years ago, we faced an uncertain future. The doors to government were closed, and many consumers believed we were going to become a cottage industry. We needed to focus on some positive action.”
“Contrast that with today. Today things are different. Today, acreages are increasing, and hay fields are being replaced with tree fruits. Our economic contribution to the valley has increased by a quarter of a billion dollars over the last few years.”
Steele of Kelowna said growers are starting to see their full potential by implementing new ideas and new technologies.
He said the industry has taken positive action and, after 32 years, the industry is growing, stating the independent spirit of the farmer has been one of its greatest successes.

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Pinder Dhaliwal was elected to succeed Steele.
Dhaliwal, an Oliver orchardist who won in a race against North Okanagan fruit grower Jeet Dukhia, said he has heard a lot of comments from fruit growers about frustration with the seasonal agriculture worker program.
“That is the biggest issue facing farmers right now. We can’t run our farms if we don’t have labour.”
Files from Black Press Digital and Castanet