I am writing to suggest that the B.C. Fruit Packers Co-operative get with the program in supporting our local growers and the fabulous fruits they produce.
I went in to the B.C. Fruit Packer’s outlet on Duncan Avenue in Penticton recently to see if they had any cherries (used to be they had a big sign outside that indicated what varieties were available and fresh). I asked about the sign and the staff told me that nothing was being replaced — their current sign indicates their hours only and is handmade with laminated paper numbers.
This is utterly ridiculous. Here we are in a valley that survives in large part on agriculture and agri-tourism and our main outlet for local growers is totally handicapped in letting people know in even the simplest way what products they have available.
The packinghouse does not advertise and even many locals do not know it is there and that it is open to the public, much less the tourists.
With all of the public awareness about eating locally grown foods and interest in sustaining our own food producers this is a glaring oversight, and one that seems to me could be rectified without great expense.
We have a whole season of wonderful local eating ahead of us and the B.C. Fruit Packers should be showing the way, literally.
Jill Moreton
Penticton