OKANAGAN-KOOTENAY STERILE INSECT RELEASE BOARD
Members:
Chair
Mike Kowaluk Regional
District of North Okanagan
Director
Colin Day, Vice Chair Regional
District of Central Okanagan
Director
Tom Mann Regional
District of Central Kootenay
Director
Wayne Matthews Regional
District of Columbia-Shuswap
Director
Joe Cardoso Regional
District of Okanagan Similkameen
Penny
Gambell B.C.
Fruit Grower’s Association
Pierre
Calissi B.C.
Fruit Grower’s Association
Joe
Sardinha B.C.
Fruit Grower’s Association absent
Glen
Lucas B.C. Fruit Grower’s Association
Fred
Danenhower Organic
Grower’s Association
Dr.
Frank Kappel Agriculture
and
Dr. Joan Cossentine PARC Research
Scientist
Ken
Corraini Ministry
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food absent
Hugh
Philip Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food
Staff:
Peter Mackiewich Liaison Officer
The Chair called the meeting to order at
PART 1 – ADOPTION
OF MINUTES
a.
Regular
Meeting –
Moved by Director Day Seconded by Director Matthews
“That the minutes of the regular meeting of
the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Board held on
CARRIED
PART 2 – DELEGATIONS and PETITIONS
a. Orchard Tree Removal
Orders Report –
i.
a. Fax
from Andy Kraljevic and Bob Andejelic dated
Mr. Dhaliwal, representing Andy Andejelic and
Bob Andejelic addressed the Board.
ii. John
No delegation present.
iii. Sunjeev Bath Lot 18 Registered Plan 5381 known as Highway 97 South, Kelowna, B.C. Folio No. 723-13768.000
a.
Fax from Sunjeev dated
The General Manager advised that Mr. Bath was
unable to attend and requested that his appeal be heard at the next scheduled
SIR Board regular meeting.
iv. Luigi Russo Lot 1 Registered Plan 546 known as
Folio
No. 217-03093.000
No delegation present.
v. Luigi Russo Lot 2 Registered Plan 546 known as
Folio
No. 217-03095.000
No delegation present.
vi. Luigi Russo Lot 3 Registered Plan 546 known as
Folio
No. 217-03096.000
No delegation present.
Moved by Director Day Seconded by Director Mann
“That Part 10.b – 10.h. be moved forward on
the agenda.”
CARRIED
PART 10 – NEW
BUSINESS
b. Memorandum from
Moved by Director Cardoso Seconded by Director Day
“That the memorandum dated
further, that the appeal of
Orchard Tree Removal Order by Mr. Andjelic for property located at Lot A Plan
KAP50458, known as 3790 Gellatly Road, Folio No. 723-14590.690 be denied
on control orders for block KK the trees identified and W, and
further, that staff pursue
the necessary action defined; and,
further, that on Block LL the
property owner work with SIR staff to develop a codling moth control program by
April 1, 2005 for the noted property including, but not limited to, the
following:
¨
Proper
spraying program for entire property
¨
Stripping
infested fruit as required
¨
Banding
and damage assessment for each generation
¨
Professionally
calibrate sprayer to proper standards before end of April 2005; and
That orchard codling moth damage be
reduced to a level of less than 2% throughout the 2005 season; and
Further that SIR staff continue to
monitor the said property and work with the property owner to ensure that the conditions of the control
program are met; and
If, at any time during the 2005
season, the conditions of the control program are not met and cooperation of
the property owner is not forthcoming, that staff be authorized to carry out
the Orchard Tree Removal Order as originally issued.”
CARRIED
Director Mann Opposed.
c. Memorandum from
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Matthews
“That the memorandum dated
further, that the appeal of
Orchard Tree Removal Order by Mr.
further, that staff pursue
the necessary action defined in the control order.”
CARRIED
d. Memorandum from
Moved by Director Day Seconded by Director Mann
“That the memorandum dated
further, that the appeal of
Orchard Tree Removal Order by Mr. Bath for property located at Lot 18 Plan
5381, known as Highway 97 South, Folio No. 723-13768.000 be deferred until the
October 29, 2004 Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Regular Board
Meeting.”
CARRIED
Director Matthews opposed.
e. Memorandum from
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Matthews
“That the memorandum dated
further, that the appeal of
Orchard Tree Removal Order by Mr. Russo for property located at Lot 1 Plan 546
, known as 1124 Old Vernon Road, Folio No. 217-03093.00 be denied, and
further, that staff pursue
the necessary action defined in the control order.”
CARRIED
f. Memorandum from
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Matthews
“That the memorandum dated
further, that the appeal of
Orchard Tree Removal Order by Mr. Russo for property located at Lot 2 Plan 546
, known as 1040 Old Vernon Road, Folio No. 217-03095.00 be denied, and
further, that staff pursue
the necessary action defined in the control order.”
CARRIED
g. Memorandum from
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Matthews
“That the memorandum dated
further, that the appeal of
Orchard Tree Removal Order by Mr. Russo for property located at Lot 3 Plan 546
, known as 982 Old Vernon Road, Folio No. 217-03096.00 be denied, and
further, that staff pursue
the necessary action defined in the control order.”
CARRIED
h. Memorandum
from
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Matthews
“That the memorandum dated September 20, 2004
concerning the tree removal order for the Hrgovic property be received; and
further, that the SIR Board
affirm that the Orchard Tree Removal Order be carried out for property located
at: 1009 Hudson Rd, Jur/folio: 723-12723.00, Lot 31 Plan 5381.”
CARRIED
It was
noted that the wood from the trees removed is not permitted to be sold or
distributed off the property.
The meeting recessed at 10:45 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:50 a.m.
PART 2 – DELEGATIONS and PETITIONS
b. Oxitec Limited –
Presentation on enhancing the production and marketing of the Sterile Insect
Release Program. (Scheduled for 10:30
a.m. to Noon)
Dr. David Kelly, Director of Business
Development and Dr. David Brooks, CEO of Oxitec were introduced to the Board by
Mr. Husdon of
Dr. Kelly presented to the Board a proposal on
how Oxitec could reduce costs to the SIR program.
Dr. Kelly explained that Oxitec’s vision is to
have a commercial entity, freedom to operate and a firm base to attract
investment. He further stated it would
be Oxitec’s intention to absorb existing SIR staff. A discussion ensued on a potential
organization structure.
The question was asked how was Oxitec’s
technology different from what the SIR program currently uses. Dr. Kelly advised that Oxitec can replace radiation
and also produce single sex populations.
A discussion ensued on the benefits of releasing only sterile male
moths. The Board requested a hard copy
of Dr. Kelly’s presentation.
The Board asked if the Oxitec’s proposal would
encompass all areas currently serviced by the SIR Program. It was noted that
Oxitec would service the areas in which the SIR Board decided and assumes that
the SIR program would want to negotiate a share in the price reduction.
Oxitec was asked if their technology had been
involved in any pilot projects. Dr.
Kelly stated that Oxitec developed a genetically modified technology that works extremely well, and where they have tried,
it had worked. Dr. Kelly advised that
when Oxitec uses their technology, the radiation step is not required.
The Board was advised that a partnership would
help elevate the budgetary constraints that the SIR program currently faces due
to Oxitec having funds to invest.
The Board asked if the technology needs to be
in high security, the Oxitec staff answered no.
A discussion ensued regarding the time it would take to have an
effective program in place if the Board were to decide to partner with
Oxitec. Oxitec advised that if they
negotiated a partnership today, to introduce the technology would take two
years, they further advised that Oxitec offers technology as well as the
insight and resources to develop new markets.
The Board asked regarding genetic modification,
how would Oxitec approach people that are sensitive to this? The question was asked what was the
relationship between Oxitec and Mr. Husdon.
It was noted that Mr. Husdon was on a per diem basis to get Oxitec
access on the SIR Board agenda and that was their sole relationship.
The Board was advised that Oxitec would agree
to a due diligence process if the SIR Board wanted to pursue a relationship.
A discussion ensued on the next steps to
pursuing a partnership with Oxitec. The
following process was suggested: negotiate heads of agreement, stakeholder
meetings, detailed due diligence and then a formal agreement.
The Board asked Oxitec what would be the level
of damage they were speaking of for sustainability. Oxitec stated their concept would be what
would be “affordable to the grower”.
It was noted that Oxitec’s intention would be
to take over the rearing facility, they would provide the technology, and as
the new technology becomes available, the SIR Board would do as they see
fit. The Oxitec representative
indicated they would want to control the rearing facility, but the scenario
would be that SIR would own the real estate but there would be a long-term
lease to Oxitec.
The comment was made that it sounds as though
Oxitec thinks there is a value to the protocols, systems and the people that
SIR have developed. Oxitec responded by
agreeing that they are looking at the
whole package to market to the world.
Concern was expressed about the future of the
SIR staff. Oxitec stated they would be
interested in expanding the output of the plant and perhaps physically expanding
the plant. Director Colin Day made the
comment that he was intrigued by the proposal being that of a public / private
partnership and the most important part of it is the public interest is
protected and there would truly be a benefit to the taxpayer.
A discussion ensued regarding the possibility
of opportunities to deal with other pests and the benefits of doing so. The Board asked if Oxitec foresees any
roadblocks when applying this technology with levels of government and getting
approvals in place. Oxitec advised that
the U.S. regulators were supportive and they have only had informal contact
with the Canadian government.
Moved by Director Mann Seconded by Director Day
“That the SIR Board
establish a working Committee to enter into detailed discussions with
representatives from Oxitec with respect to the possibilities of entering into
a public / private partnership for the SIR Program; and.
Further, that the Committee
be composed of representation from:
Government of Canada
Government of BC
2 Grower Representatives
3 Voting Members of SIR
Board
1 Administrative Person
And all those who wish to
attend from the SIR Board.”
CARRIED
The Board advised that
The meeting
recessed for lunch at 12:30 p.m.
The meeting
reconvened at 1:30 p.m.
PART 3 – COMMITTEE MINUTES
PART 4 – BUSINESS
ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
PART 5 – CHAIR’S
REPORT
PART 6 – COMMITTEE
REPORTS
PART 7 –
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
a.
The report from B. Fugger, General
Manager dated October 1, 2004 was received for information.
b.
The General Manager reviewed the
Production Manager’s report with the Board.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding not using the attenuator in the
gamma cell for the 2005 season. The
Board was advised that to remain status quo means it would take longer to
irradiate and the gamma cell would need to be recharged sooner. It was expressed that growers are disturbed
about this.
The recommendation from the
Technical Committee is to not remove the attenuator. The General Manager advised that the date
which a decision has to be made regarding the attenuator is six weeks.
The President of BCFGA expressed concern regarding their involvement and that they feel they are not being heard. The Chair acknowledged the BCFGA President’s concern and advised that it would be addressed later in the meeting.
The Board agreed to refer back the attenuator issue to the Technical Committee and report back to the Board.
A handout was distributed to the Board on “long-term codling moth management”. Dr. Cossentine reviewed with the Board areas in which Zone 1 could have improved on in the 2004 season. It was noted that in Zone 1 they did not release sterile moths in the spring as they are not competitive in early spring. Dr. Cossentine stated that as a control strategy they would release moths two weeks earlier next year.
The Board was advised that the Technical Committee looked at how the SIR program could possibly reduce costs and they determined that there was not much they could do as it would jeopardize the program.
The question was asked if there was a process in which costs could be allocated to the people who are not acting responsibly. The Liaison Officer advised that there is a mechanism, they could hire someone to do what a non responsible grower should be doing and charge them through their taxes. It was noted that there is difficulty in hiring people to do spraying.
The BCFGA President expressed concern with the Technical Committee’s recommendations for later release or virtually no release in first generation as growers were not clear that they should put on a spray. It was noted that most growers were phoned if a grower had a sting or if a wild moth was caught.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding why there was a delayed release or no release until second brood in Zone 1 after all the years it had been successful.
The BCFGA President reviewed with the Board the feedback received from the BCFGA District Council’s meeting held on September 22, 2004. She further requested that the Technical Committee take another look at their recommendations. Dr. Cossentine advised that the Technical Committee offers their best advise and their responsibility is to make the recommendation to the Board and they are not in charge of implementing them.
A discussion ensued regarding the BCFGA members not being clear on what they should have done and the need for them to clearly understand. It was agreed there had been a communication issue. It was noted that most of the outcry had come from Zone 1.
The suggestion was made that next year BCFGA should handle the communications and funds be allocated to them to implement.
The BCFGA President expressed concern that the BCFGA have not felt like they have been treated as partners on the SIR Board. She stated that they were excluded from the meeting with the Minister of Agriculture at the UBCM and also the dinner with Oxitec. The Chair advised that the meeting at the UBCM with the Minister was politician to politician, it was not the place for a delegation. He further advised the dinner with Oxitec was only an introduction and no decisions were being made.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding clean up. The comment was made that the program has been doing the right thing by cutting down infected trees in orchards, as it will increase the effectiveness of the program and decrease the cost.
The Chair advised the Board staff had been trying to get them a budget number, however, there was not enough time. He further advised that they have some numbers, using the Technical Committee’s recommendations there would be approximately a $789,000 shortfall for 2005.
The question was asked if it would be beneficial to do monitoring through the packing houses? The General Manager advised that SIR would do the trapping, harvesting, and enforcement, however they would not do monitoring. He further advised that SIR would count the moths in the trap and leave a message to the fruit grower.
The Chair advised that they would go back and look at other possible scenarios for the budget. The Liaison Officer stated that there is not enough funds to apply both technologies, they would have to look at something that could be sold on technical grounds as well as practical grounds.
The President of BCFGA requested the cost of trapping.
The question was asked if it would be possible for the SIR Board to provide the service of sterile insect release as well as enforce the Technical Committee’s recommendations. Meeting the Technical Committee’s recommendations would be at the tree owner’s expense. The Board agreed it was a thought worth exploring.
A discussion took place on where to provide funding shortfall for the Technical Committee recommendations.
A discussion then followed regarding a program for $3.5 million, which included SIT and enforcement. It was noted that growers will need to cover their own costs for sprays and/or mating disruption. Concern was expressed that the fieldmen on the Technical Committee do not appear to agree that is a viable program.
It was noted that the Grower’s survey would be on hold until further notice.
It was agreed that staff would work with BCFGA and the Grower Advisory Committee to see if the program could be workable at $3.5 million using SIT as the main technology.
The Board discussed the meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, which was held on September 23, 2004.
The Board discussed the letter received by Shukin Orchard asking to forgo their parcel tax. It was noted that local government does not have ability to do that.
Moved by Director Matthews Seconded by Director Cardoso
“That the Board receive the letter from Shukin
Orchards Ltd. dated September 30, 2004; and
further, direct staff to
reply advising that local government do not have the ability to forgive taxes.”
CARRIED
The Board agreed to leave the remainder of agenda for next scheduled meeting.
PART 8 – CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter from CSRD dated
August 31, 2004 re: Letter CSRD received from Old Tower Farm regarding the
Sterile Insect Program
i. Copy
of letter from Old Tower Farm dated August 21, 2004 re: Future of the Sterile
Insect Program
b. Letter from RDCK dated
September 8, 2004 re: Letter RDCK received from Frank Tyrlik re: heath risks to
SIR employees as a result of exposure to chemicals.
ii.
Copy of letter from Frank Tyrlik dated July 16, 2004 re: health risk to SIR
employees as a result of exposure to chemical
c. Letter
from RDOS dated September 10, 2004 re:
Sterile Insect Release Facility in Osoyoos
d. Letter from John
Brugman, Destination Osoyoos dated July 13, 2004 re: Sterile Insect Release Facility in Osoyoos.
e. Letter from Dan Ashton,
Chair, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, dated September 20, 2004 re:
Appointment of RDOS Representative
i. Copy of letter from M. Kowaluk, Chair,
Okanagan-Kootenay SIR Board dated July 20, 2004 re: Appointment of RDOS Representative
ii. Copy of letter from M. Kowaluk, Chair,
Okanagan-Kootenay SIR Board dated June 1, 2004 re: Appointment of RDOS
Representative
iii. Copy of letter from Dan Ashton, Chair,
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, dated May 25, 2004 re: Appointment
of RDOS Representative
f. Letter from Penny
Gambel, President, BCFGA dated September 29, 2004 re: Input from Growers on the SIR Program
g. Fax from Val Shukin,
Shukin Orchards Ltd. dated September 30, 2004 re: ?
PART 9 – UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
a.
Letter from B. Fugger, General
Manager dated September 3, 2004 responding to Donna Barlett, Old Tower Farm re:
Present and Future Direction of SIR.
b.
Memorandum from
c.
Verbal Report by General Manager and
Chief Financial Officer re: Control of Codling Moth Post 2005 – Dendy Report
Update
d.
For information copy of application
dated August 31, 2004 to the British Columbia Investment Agriculture Foundation
e.
Draft Sterile Insect Release Program
Grower Questionnaire – September 2004
PART 10 – NEW
BUSINESS
a.
Memorandum from B. Fugger, General
Manager dated September 20, 2004 re: Policy Concerning Long-Term Illness or
Injury Benefits
b. Memorandum from
This matter was dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
c. Memorandum from
This matter was dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
d. Memorandum from
This matter was dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
e. Memorandum
from
This matter was dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
f. Memorandum
from
This matter was dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
g. Memorandum
from
This matter was dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
h. Memorandum
from
This matter was dealt with earlier in the meeting.
PART 11 – SUBSTANTIVE MOTIONS
PART 12 – OTHER MATTERS
PART 13 – MOTION TO MOVE TO IN-CAMERA
a. Motion to convene In Camera Meeting of
the SIR Board to deal with matters deemed closed to the public in accordance
with Section 92 of the Community Charter.
Moved
by Director
Matthews Seconded by Director Mann
“That the regular meeting of the
Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release (SIR) Program Board convene In Camera
to deal with legal matters deemed closed to the public in accordance with
Section 92 of the Community Charter.”
CARRIED
The regular
meeting of the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Board adjourned to meet
“In-Camera” at 4:50 p.m.
The regular
meeting of the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Board reconvened at
5:00 p.m.
PART 14 – MATTERS ARISING FROM IN CAMERA MEETING
PART 15 – ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Director Matthew Seconded by Director Day
“That there being no further business, the
meeting be adjourned at 5:00 p.m.”
CARRIED
The next regular meeting of the SIR Board will be held on October 29, 2004.
Chair Corporate Officer