Dear Editor:
This is an open letter to all South Okanagan orchardists who grow Ambrosia apples.
I would like to express an opposing position on the recently-announced ambrosia levy. This levy was well run and accomplished its purpose, but it is time to end it.
Like all levies of this type, there is a risk of it becoming a neverending tax on growers.
I do not believe that the sale and pricing of Ambrosia apples will suffer in any way by the removal of levy funds.
Marketers, wholesalers and retailers are quite capable of running their own promotional programs if they need to increase Ambrosia sales.
This is usually accomplished with specials.
Ambrosias have become an entrenched variety in the apple industry worldwide. There is no need to use funds to gain market acceptance any longer.
A large part of levy funds goes to the BC Tree Fruit Association. If they need promotional funds, they should take it from their own growers’ product and not as an industry-wide levy.
This would free money to be used by growers in any manner they feel is in their best interest, instead of requiring acceptance by the regional committee.
Cawston Cold Storage is prepared to act in this manner.
Even if plantings of Ambrosia apples should increase dramatically in the next five years, I am quite confident that this variety can hold its own in the marketplace.
In the end, this money is simply best left in the pocket of growers. I would ask all Ambrosia growers to take the time to vote no to extending the Ambrosia levy.
Billy Potash
Sales & Marketing
Cawston Cold Storage Ltd.
