Divided B.C. Tree Fruits Co-op leave issues outstanding and AGM incomplete

The B.C. Tree Fruits Co-operative resumed, and paused again, its annual general meeting on Friday.

The meeting started last month before it was recessed at that time and resumed, Jan. 20.

“The material items that needed to be complete at the AGM were completed back on Dec. 12,” B.C. Tree Fruits CEO Warren Sarafinchan said.

Members wanted to discuss three issues at the resumption of the AGM – the nominations for the committee process, a review about why renovations were made in Oliver and the possibility of splitting the co-op into two.

“Unfortunately the meeting was adjourned before we could have those discussions,” Sarafinchan said.

Sarafinchan said members are expecting better returns than what the co-op is currently offering, and he’s confident in the plan to do that.

READ MORE: B.C. Tree Fruits plant closing Lake Country location, moving to South Okanagan

The AGM comes after a special meeting was held in November. At that meeting 34 members demanded resolutions be voted upon, including one to remove the board of directors. None of the resolutions received the 2/3 majority needed to pass.

“We’re continuing to focus on making decisions in the best interest for all growers,” Sarafinchan said.

The AGM will continue on or after April 12.

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