More than 100 farmers, many from the B.C. Tree Fruits Cooperative, gathered in Kelowna on Tuesday (Sept. 4) to rally to support saving the co-op.
The cooperative, burdened by a $58 million debt, filed for creditor protection two weeks ago, leaving approximately 300 Okanagan farmers uncertain during harvest season.
The co-op’s financial troubles follow several years of weather-related crop challenges. Last week, the B.C. Supreme Court ordered the sale of all the co-op’s assets, including a state-of-the-art packing house in Oliver, B.C.. Farmers are urging the government to intervene, seeking assistance to restructure their debt and preserve their operations.
A bid for the assets is expected by Nov. 15, with the sale slated for Nov. 30. Farmers warn that without government support, the future of the region’s farming industry is at risk.
