A proposal to create an Apple Research and Promotion Agency in BC has failed.
Growers turned down the idea in a recent vote held by the BC Fruit Growers’ Association.
The initiative was designed to help the industry act collectively on research and promotion projects. However, the proposal came at a price – a levy that apple growers would have to pay to benefit from the new agency.
Registered apple growers (those with more than two acres of producing apples) were asked if they supported the plan to establish an Apple Industry Development Council for BC apple producers.
Out of a total of 269 voters, 135 voted yes, while 133 voted no.
The plan called for a minimum of 65 per cent of votes to be “yes” in order to consider the vote positive and make a recommendation that the Ministry of Agriculture approve the plan.
Only 50 per cent voted “yes,” so the plan will not be forwarded to the ministry.
New BCFGA president Fred Steele was disappointed with the outcome.
“While the BCFGA hoped that the initiative would pass, it is clear that the industry is not ready for an Apple Research and Promotion Agency.”
Steele said they will advise apple associations from other provinces that the initiative has ended. But he noted they will “pursue other strategic approaches to improving our industry.”
Further information on the initiative is available at the website www.bcapplecouncil.org.
The BCFGA has a membership of 550 commercial tree fruit growers in BC. The association celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
