The outgoing president of the BC Fruit Growers Association offered some advice as he passed the torch of leadership to a new generation of orchardists Friday.

Speaking at the BCFGA annual general meeting in 琉璃神社, Fred Steele said the renewed wave of optimism in the tree fruit industry the past four years is the result of farmers telling their story through local media to draw positive attention to their industry and presenting a united advocacy front in dealing with different levels of government.

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鈥淔our years ago we faced an uncertain future. But we learned how to speak smarter, not louder, and to create a sense of optimism about what lies ahead,鈥� Steele said.

鈥淭oday we are seeing hayfields being replaced with fruit trees. Farmers are starting to see a potential for the future.鈥�

Steele said the most rewarding aspect of the last decade he has spent representing Okanagan tree fruit growers was in finding solutions to problems.

鈥淲e did not succeed every time in addressing issues but it was never because we didn鈥檛 try 100 per cent of the time.

鈥淏ut change is about renewal, and it鈥檚 time for me to step aside and pass on the torch for others to lead our industry that will be here for our grand-children and great-grandchildren.鈥�

Steele cited several reasons for his optimism for the future of fruit farming鈥攇rowth of cherry sales, the growing number of cider producers, apple crops being replanted, engaging in agri-tourism, greater vision for diversification and value-added opportunities and doors being opened for a new generation of growers.

鈥淥ptimism has risen above the din of self-doubt,鈥� he said.

A fruit grower told Steele he brought back civility and respect to the BCFGA.

鈥淵ou will be missed,鈥� said the grower.

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barry.gerding@blackpress.ca
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