The summer 2024 closure of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative has created some disruption for the apple industry, adding extra imperative to consider the pros and cons of a commission and determine if a commission is a key element to a successful apple industry in the future.

The reasons articulated in support of the development of an Apple Marketing Commission include:

-  Declining returns (at least partly due to the impact of too many packers in BC competing for the same market and with each other, rather than against other jurisdictions).

-  Overall declining and inconsistent fruit quality, including an inability to serve the more lucrative export markets.

-  The concentration of retail grocery chains in control of most of the food sales in BC.

-  The proliferation of packing houses competing for the same growers and the same limited sales opportunities.

-  The absence of coordinated marketing of BC’s iconic apple varieties.

-  The continued production, sale and (in some cases) replanting of apple varieties with limited or no consumer appeal.

-  The absence of an organization dedicated to the promotion of BC apples and ensuring the coordinated marketing of BC apples, relative to those from other jurisdictions.

Detailed reports have been issued to growers on how a commission would work and a tentative budget for set-up.  

Source:  BC Fruit Growers’ Association January 23, 2025 newsletter