SIR GROWER/INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MINUTES of the Grower/Industry Committee meeting of the OKANAGAN-KOOTENAY STERILE INSECT RELEASE (SIR) PROGRAM held at the Pacific Agriculture Research Centre in Summerland, BC on August 23rd, 2000.

 

Committee Members:

            Gavin Young    - Chair             Westbank Packers Ltd.

Jack Barkwill                            BC Fru it Packers                                            

Denis Larose                            Grower

Joseph Lucich                           Grower

Tom Ouchi                               Grower                                                                       

            Hugh Philip                               BCMAF Regional Entomologist

Hank Markgraf             BC Fruit Packers                                             

Brian Witzke                            Grower                                   

                                               

Committee Members Absent:

Pedro Barata                            BC Fruit Growers’ Association (Oliver)                     (absent)  

Norm Filipenko                        Sun Fresh Coop                                                        (absent)  

Russell Husch                           BC Fruit Growers’ Association (Kelowna)             (absent)

Brian Mennel                            Grower                                                                     (absent)

Jack Morley                             Okanagan Similkameen Coop                                    (absent)

Gerry Shaw                              BC Tree Fruits                                                          (absent)

Stan Swales                              Okanagan North Growers Coop                                (absent)  

Peter Waterman                       Okanagan Similkameen Coop                                    (absent)

Tim Watson                              South Valley Sales                                                     (absent)

 

SIR Staff:

            Elise Petersen                           SIR Business Manager

Bob Fugger                              Zone 2 & 3 Manager

            Karen Nelson                           Recording Secretary    

 

Gavin Young called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

 

Gavin Young stated that the purpose of the meeting was in order to have a continuation from the last meeting on July 18th, 2000.

 

AGENDA TOPIC #2:

 

Elise Petersen issued the following reports:

·        SIR Estimated Cost Per Acre         (see attached)

·        Revenues                                        (see attached)

·        Final Budget 2000-08-29               (see attached)

 

Gavin Young then discussed his notes from the side board. 

1.         SIT – Production and Release               100/acre                       Area Wide Management

2.         MD at 200 dispensers an acre              100/acre                       Area Wide Management

3.         Last Call                                                     -                             N/A

4.         Puffer Technology                                 1 dispenser/acre           $90/105 Canadian

 

Estimated Budget cost of each method per acre spread over the Okanagan Valley and Creston. Upgrade in the facility is not included.

 

Questions regarding control methods (Mating Disruption, SIT, Banding, etc) were clarified throughout discussion.

 

After discussion from the Committee Members, the following motion was put forward as a companion to first motion made on July 18th, 2000 on Page 4 of the minutes.

 

Moved by Hank Markgraf       Seconded by Brian Witzke

 

“Be it resolved that the SIR eliminate non-essential costs. Develop and implement a Codling Moth suppression Program that is technically feasible. Pursue and secure outside funding and reduce and maintain the cost to the grower at $65.00/acre through the balance of the Program to the year 2005.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Brian Witzke then questioned Hugh Philip about Puffer Technology.

Hugh Philip stated that they could be bringing the Puffers into B.C. by next year. They can be set to come on just at the flight time, by a computer chip. The one that the US is using, goes all day long but could be modified with a computer chip. It goes on a density of one per acre. Most of them are on the outside, with some in the inside.

 

AGENDA TOPIC #1:

 

The minutes of the July 18th, 2000 meeting were reviewed as circulated. Hugh Philip noted some terminology changes to be made on Page 3. Those changes were then made by Karen Nelson.

 

The following motion was then put forward.

 

“Accepted minutes for meeting dated July 18th, 2000.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

AGENDA TOPIC #2 (Cont.):

 

Gavin Young then stated that Elise Petersen wanted to get feedback from the Committee Members regarding the Compliance Grants issued this year.

Elise Petersen stated that the Compliance Grants are issued to the Grower, and not the Leasee. This has upset some Leasee’s because they are the ones who pay for the sprays in order to get the grant.

 

Gavin Young then discussed how the Compliance Grant came to be through the Board.

Gavin then questioned the Committee for feedback on if there should be changes made as to who gets the Grant.

 

Hank Markgraf stated that there should be no changes made by SIR. But, Fieldmen could and have stressed to the Leasees that they adjust their Lease agreement so that it states that the Leasee is entitled to the Grant. It could also state that the Leasee pays all the Parcel Tax for the SIR portion, and the owner pays the rest of the taxes. That is an agreement between the Leasee and the owner.

 

Elise Petersen then added that SIR could also add a note in with the Grant, stating that the Grant should go to the person who was liable for the sprays.

 

Bob Fugger then stated that many Growers have been thinking that the SIR tax is not a parcel tax, but a levy. That information is wrong. The SIR tax is a tax, and if not paid, the owner will be penalized. 

 

Elise Petersen also noted that the Compliance Grant will come out next month.

 

AGENDA TOPIC #3:

 

Gavin Young then questioned the Committee about the Administration of the Program. He asked that, if we are going to reduce the overall cost of the Program, or change the delivery of the Program, is there a need for major Administration?

Being not just a stand alone project, is there a need for a stand alone Administration? Should it be scaled down prior to 2005?

 

Discussion then carried throughout the Committee.

 

Moved by Tom Ouchi             Seconded by Hank Markgraf

 

“Be it resolved that the SIR itemize and prioritise the SIR Administration, keeping it in line with the other Motions carried.”

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

CLOSING

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM.

 

 

_______________________                                          ________________________

            Chairman                                                                                  Secretary