BC tree fruit growers in shock after co-op’s sudden collapse

In the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is an industry that faces a bitter crisis.

In a shock to local farmers, the BC Tree Fruit Cooperative has shut its doors. The closure leaves many farmers without a distribution channel or storage options, meaning fruit that can't be packed or sold may simply go to waste.

The province has promised support, including an emergency task force and a list of alternative packing facilities. However, many of these facilities are already at full capacity.

Global's Neetu Garcha explains.

#GlobalNews #BC #Okanagan

[bespon]

so why did it close ? Does anyone else feel like there are more questions that are unanswered from this article ?

[jamielevesque]

Allow consumers to order fruit directly from the farmers then . Better than paying the silly grocery store prices

[msjade]

It’s a shame how we neglect our own farmers. I always buy local no matter what produce thay bring. I hope everybody help their own community.

[cya]

We need to protect our local local produce and fruit growers, if only to help us retain our independence from the US. Plus it's just smart to be self sufficient...

[greggreg]

I remember seeing that BC fruit logo since I was a young boy

[AimeeAbbott-zoqk]

The cost of fruits and vegetables are far to expensive for those that are low income!

[bushnut]

Why is an apple grown in New Zealand cheaper at the grocery store than one grown here?

[maiasaffou]

Each time I am going to local grocery stores, rarely I can find local produce. Even apples, why do we sell New Zealand and California apples and strawberries when our local products going bad without reaching shelves. From recently I just stopped buying anything imported. It’s really sad.

[Ingrid-bz]

Omg smarten up, save our farmers and our fruits we need them

[minizinnia]

When the NDP were elected it was all about their great plans to revitalize BC agriculture. The past 7 years haven't looked very revitalized.

[karenacton]

I will ONLY buy Canadian grown and if they don’t have them, I don’t buy any. This is what should be done by everyone

[dhab]

That’s terrible- BC tree fruit has given our family memories with many boxes of healthy and nutritious fruit for decades in Saskatchewan.

[jeepstuff]

That’s what happens when you sell to big corporations. Sell local for affordable prices

[ThisTall]

There isn’t a single aspect of Canada the government hasn’t made considerably worse for at least 30 years. Not 1.

[bob-pxj]

They rebuilt a large part of the packing house last year, so why is it closing this year?

[drquinnmedicinewoman]

Don't tell anyone but gerpeet and petal are not paying enough fees to the cooperative for them to stay open, both of them are extremely cheap except when they charge the consumer for fruit.

[CanadianMason]

What do you expect when it costs 10$ for a bag of apples picked by TFWs?? This industry needs to be audited.

[pdterre]

It is strange that a cooperative goes bust. Have the growers taken a cut too big?

[lostmoose]

They can store tons and tons of cherries in my house 😎

[JohnJ-po]

The co op closed. Farmers are looking for new facilities. They are talking like if the co op burned down with its employees. Just reopen it. Its better than have 2500 orchards turning to wine and cider house.