The Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) today announced the results of a vote on a proposed Apple Research and Promotion Agency. The initiative was designed to help industry act collectively on research and promotion projects. Registered apple growers (those with over two acres producing apples) were asked, “Do you support the plan to establish an apple industry development council for British Columbia apple producers, November, 2013”?
The vote, counted today, is
YES 135
NO 133
Spoiled 1
TOTAL 269
Eligible voters from Master List 623
The plan called for a minimum of 40 per centof registered growers to vote in order to achieve a valid result. A total of 43.2 per cent voted, so the BCFGA considers the result to be valid.
The plan called for a minimum of 65 per centof votes to be “Yes” in order to consider the vote positive and make a recommendation that the Minister approve the plan.
Only 50 per cent voted “Yes”, so the plan will not be forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture.
“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. We will advise the apple associations from other provinces that the initiative is ended, and pursue other strategic approaches to improving our industry,” said Fred Steele, President of the BCFGA.
Further information on the initiative is available at the website www.bcapplecouncil.org
The BCFGA is an agriculture association with a membership of 550 commercial tree fruit growers in BC. It celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2014.