In light of the recent BC Tree Fruits Cooperative closure, we want to extend our heartfelt sympathy and support to our local Okanagan tree fruit growers. We have gathered some resources from our network partners to help you or any orchardists you may know through this challenging time. Below, you will find information on employment, gleaning, storage, and distribution opportunities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations for assistance.
We’re here for you too! Let us know if you have any questions or ideas for how we can help during this time. Also please share these resources with anyone who might benefit.
For those interested in learning more about the recent BC Tree Fruits closure and updates here are some articles:
- Penticton Western News – July 26, 2024
- Castanet – Jul 31, 2024
- Vancouver Sun – August 5, 2024
- Global News – Aug 2, 2024
Employment and Business Support
Community Futures North Okanagan is a community economic development organization that supports businesses with business coaching, hiring, a loans program, and many other initiatives. If you need business support during this challenging time, please book an appointment online or call 250-545-2215 ext 200.
Community Futures also operates the WorkBC Employment Centre for Enderby, Armstrong, Lumby, Cherryville, and Vernon. They are offering services to any workers affected by the BC Tree Fruits closure. Workers in BC with Canadian citizenship, permanent residence, or landed refugee status can access in-depth, one-on-one services. Drop-in or call the WorkBC Centre for assistance.
Community Futures North Okanagan
Website: www.futuresbc.com
Phone: 250-545-2215 ext 200
Business Support: Book an appointment
WorkBC Employment Centre
Location: 3105 33 Street in Vernon (across from Staples)
Phone: 250-545-2215 ext 230
Gleaning
The Okanagan Fruit Tree Project Society (OFTPS) has been cultivating community through local food since 2012. They bring the community together to help harvest fruits, vegetables, and nuts that would otherwise go to waste and ensure that the bounty is shared/donated between volunteers and over 100 social service agencies and schools in the Central and South Okanagan.
Given the current and difficult situation, farmers who find that they have extra fruit, vegetables or nuts that will go unpicked or unused may consider calling OFTPS to help harvest and distribute fruit to those in need. Sign up your trees, orchard, or farms as soon as possible for the best chance for volunteers to come and recover extra produce this season.
Okanagan Fruit Tree Project Society
Website: www.fruittreeproject.com
Email: Zola via harvests@fruittreeproject.com
Storage and Distribution
Valley Direct is a North Okanagan based distributor offering cold storage, transportation, and distribution services to orchardists.
- Cold Storage: 10,000 square feet of cold storage available in Armstrong for rent.
- Transportation: 5-Ton refrigerated trucks available to transport produce.
- Distribution: Valley Direct distributes food all over the Okanagan, to Prince George, and to the Kootenays.
Valley Direct
Contact: Mike Brown at (250) 308-9825