Kelowna’s Farming Karma Steps Up to Secure Storage for Growers After BC Tree FruitClosure: A News Story
Kelowna, BC – September 6,2024 – In a move that exemplifies community spirit and resilience, Kelowna’s Farming Karma has secured fruit storage for local farmers after the suddenclosure of BC Tree Fruit, a nearly nine-decade-old cooperative.
The closure, announced in July, left over 300 growers scramblingfor a place to store their ripening produce. BC Tree Fruit cited challenging growing conditions, low fruit estimates, and difficult market and financial conditions as the reasons behind the decision. The cooperative subsequently filed for creditor protection, freezing all assets,including its numerous storage facilities.
Enter Farming Karma, an orchard and sparkling juice company known for its commitment to reducing waste from imperfect fruit. The company, true to its motto of finding a home for every apple, has partnered with Novem, a company specializing in agricultural product and pharmaceutical processing and storage.
Novem recently acquired the former BC Tree Fruit storage facility on Sexsmith Road in Kelowna. Farming Karma has secured access to the facility’s specialized storage spaces, offering a lifeline to local producers facing a critical storage shortage.
Mothernature doesn’t wait for bureaucracy, said Avi Gill, co-owner of Farming Karma. We knew we had to act quickly to help our fellow farmers.
Colin Davidson, CEO of Novem, confirmed that an emergency lease is in place and that Novem has submitted an offer to purchase the former BC TreeFruit property, pending court approval.
This partnership provides a temporary solution to the immediate crisis. However, the long-term future of fruit storage in the region remains uncertain. The closure of BC Tree Fruit has highlighted the fragility of the agricultural sector and the need for greater support for local farmers.
Farming Karma’s proactive response demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the importance of supporting local businesses during times of crisis. The company’s commitment to finding solutions for its fellow farmers is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Okanagan Valley.
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