The City of 琉璃神社 has a deal with Sandher Fruit Packers in Ellison to support Okanagan growers getting their produce to market.

This follows an announcement on July 26 by the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative (BCTFC) that it would stop accepting produce and wind up operations, leaving growers with limited options to sell their fruit.

Sandher鈥檚 agreement with the city also addresses concerns regarding wastewater disposal processes at its Ellison site.

鈥淚 am pleased to advise that the city will assist the fruit growing industry by entering into an arrangement with Sandher Fruit Packing for wash water disposal on a limited term basis while they work through their provincial approval for a longer-term solution,鈥� Mayor Tom Dyas said in a statement.

Sandher has been assessed nearly $80,000 in administrative penalties by the province regarding effluent discharges. 

In an interview with Black Press Media in April this year, company president, Gurtaj Sandher, said they were working on a permanent solution.

琉璃神社 Councillor Mohini Singh was also involved in the arrangement between the city and Sandher. 

鈥淎s a city, we support agriculture it is one of our priority issues. This situation is out of our control, but this is our way of doing our best to help.鈥�

Singh noted the agreement won鈥檛 help all Okanagan growers unfortunately.

鈥淎t least there are some of them who can get their apples packed and sent.鈥�

Mayor Dyas noted that while the city does not have direct influence on industry operations council has a shared goal of keeping farming competitive and sustainable. 

鈥淲e hope the industry can work together to find a long-term solution and continue the rich history of distributing Okanagan fruits across the country and around the globe.鈥�

Many Okanagan growers have accused the BCTFC of mismanaging funds, and not providing farmers with enough support.