![](https://d2ksr9467jthww.cloudfront.net/2024082021080/5ee016c4-8fdf-4889-81ac-2854b4aa0235.jpg)
Local orchardist urges growers take steps to protect operations, wants new co-op established
The owner of Gatzke Orchard is hoping the dissolvent of the B.C. Tree Fruits Cooperative won’t be a long term issue, but encourages other growers in the Okanagan take action to support themselves and their products in the meantime.
The Tree Fruit Co-Op announced it was shutting down in July and as of time of publication was filing for creditor protection, meaning it was looking to liquidate assets to settle debts.
Alan Gatzke, owner of the orchard in Oyama, told Vernon Matters the Tree Fruit Co-Op has around $100-million worth of assets, and a lot of those are much needed by local producers.
“There’s a whole bunch of things that the co-op provides beyond just the packing and marketing of the apples,” Gatzke explained.