2019 Provincial Workshop
This two-day event brought together B.C. producers and researchers to explore practical and collaborative approaches to agricultural adaptation. The first afternoon focused on producer-led sessions highlighting field-tested practices to improve soil health, store carbon, manage pests and disease, and adapt to changing weather—specifically geared toward tree fruit and wine grape production. The second day centered on building collaborative strategies to support adaptation, with discussions on extension, data sharing, and future research needs.
Breakout sessions covered a wide range of topics including extension initiatives, data sharing for weather, soils, pests, forage, and water, as well as ideas for enhancing ACARN’s role in supporting knowledge transfer and coordination across the sector.
Tree Fruits – Applied Research Presentations
Keynote: Developing Resilient Orchards
Climate change is making snowpacks less predictable, summers hotter, and seasonal patterns more erratic, all of which threaten apple orchard productivity and quality. Reduced water availability from snowmelt in irrigated regions will require more efficient water conservation practices. Changes in dormancy, chilling, and increased frost and heat risks will also demand new management approaches. To adapt, strategies such as protective netting, improved irrigation practices, and developing more resilient apple cultivars are essential for maintaining productivity and sustainability.
Lee Kalcsits, Washington State University’s Tree Fruit Research & Extension Centre in Wenatchee, WA
Dr. Lee Kalcsits is an assistant professor of tree fruit physiology in the Department of Horticulture at the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, Washington, USA. He completed a BSA in Horticulture and a MS in tree physiology at the University of Saskatchewan and a PhD in Forestry and Tree Physiology at UBC. He has been at WSU since 2014. His research works towards understanding the interactions between environment, horticultural management and genetics of tree fruit. Specifically, his work is focused understanding heat and water relations in apple and developing strategies to mitigate those problems.
Wine Grapes – Applied Research Presentations
Keynote: Approaches for Climate Resiliency & Sustainability from California’s Wine Grape Sector
This presentation highlighted innovative practices used by California winegrape growers and wineries to address climate change and enhance sustainability. It covered energy efficiency, adoption of renewable energy, soil health for carbon sequestration, and water conservation methods. Research on measuring greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage was also discussed, along with key lessons on the role of innovation, leadership, and diversity in building climate resilience.
Ann Thrupp, wine grape sustainability consultant & former manager at Fetzer, Bonterra Vineyards and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance
Ann Thrupp has extensive experience as a pioneer and leader in sustainable and regenerative food systems. From 2003-2013, Ann was the Manager of Sustainability and Organic Management at Fetzer and Bonterra Vineyards, where she coordinated and led a diversity of initiatives to implement sustainable practices in the winery and vineyards, and developed partnerships and outreach to stakeholders about sustainable business practices. At Fetzer she also provided education and technical assistance to growers, and assisted hundreds of growers and wineries in the transition to organic and sustainable practices. Ann also served as the Managing Director and consultant for the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) in 2005-2007.
