Apples win gold

B.C. apples captured the top spots in the Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, Aurora Golden Gala, and Heaviest Apple categories at this year’s National Apple Competition at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) in Toronto.

The agriculture fair is held in the heart of the largest urban centre in Canada.

“BC apples did great again this year … a fitting tribute and a finale to the BC Fruit Growers’ Association celebration of its 125th year,” said BCFGA president Fred Steele.

Amoung the winners from B.C.:

Commercial Varieties

Class: Gala

2nd Steve Brown, Happy Valley Harvest, Summerland 3rd Julie Sardinha, Sardinha Orchards, Summerland

Class: Johnagold

1st Billy and Shauna Boerboom, Windmill Orchards, Summerland

Class: Golden Delicious

1st Peter Simonsen, Northern Lights Orchard, Naramata (certified organic)

Class: Other named

1st Devin Jell, Sun­Oka Fruit Farms, Summerland (Granny Smith)

New Varieties

Class: Ambrosia

1st Devin Jell, Sun­Oka Fruit Farms, Summerland
2nd David and Arlene Sloan, Matheson Creek Farms, Okanagan Falls

Class: Aurora Golden Gala

1st Keith Johnstone, Naramata
2nd Jack Machial, Machial Enterprises, Oliver 3rd Tom Ouchi, Ringo­en Orchards, Vernon

Class: Other named

1st David and Arlene Sloan, Matheson Creek Farms, Okanagan Falls (Pinova)
3rd Devin Jell, Sun­Oka Fruit Farms, Summerland (Pink Lady)

Class: Champion and Reserve Reserve

Keith Johnstone, Naramata (Aurora Golden Gala)

Best Collection of 5 Varieties

1st Devin Jell, Sun­Oka Fruit Farms, Summerland