August 27, 2024: BC Tree Fruits Cooperative (BCTFC) has been a cornerstone of the Okanagan fruit industry for nearly a century, providing vital processing and distribution services for local growers.
Recently, the cooperative has faced significant financial challenges, including a debt of over $53 million, primarily owed to secured creditors.
A combination of factors such as aging facilities, reduced crop yields, and intense market pressures have exacerbated these difficulties.
Now, fruit growers are scrambling as a court-ordered sale of BCTFC’s assets moves forward, involving key facilities in Summerland, Oliver, and Keremeos.
This sale could lead to a surplus of low-priced fruit this fall, followed by potential food security issues due to a reliance on imported produce.
Given the financial strain, it is unlikely that BCTFC will be able to reopen for the 2024 season.
As a result, growers are left with limited options, including seeking alternative processing solutions, potentially even outside of BC, though this would come with significant logistical and regulatory challenges.
BC Fruit Industry Faces Bitter Future
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