The leadership group of the BC Fruit Growers鈥� Association (BCFGA) is welcoming a new executive director.

Described as a "seasoned agricultural leader", Summerland orchardist Adrian Arts is taking over the executive director role, effective May 22.

Arts has more than a decade of experience in the field from the tree fruit sector and spanning government policy to hands-on farm operations, and strategic industry leadership. He most recently served as Regional Manager for the Southern Interior with the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, playing a pivotal role in securing over $100 million in new investments for the province鈥檚 agricultural sector.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome Adrian to the BCFGA team,鈥� said BCGFA Peter Simonson. 鈥淟ast year was filled with multiple crises, from the devastating freeze to the closure of BC Tree Fruit Cooperative. I am very proud of the work BCFGA accomplished last year, but the fact remains that we are still in a dire situation. We are at risk of losing both the tree fruit industry and family farming in the Okanagan and there is so much work to be done. Adrian is joining the BCFGA at a critical time, and we are confident that he is up to the challenges ahead.鈥�  

Arts has also worked for provincial and regional committees, including the Climate Action Initiative, the New Tree Fruit Varieties Development Council, the BC Institute of Agrologists and the Water Stewardship Council of the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB). Additionally, he is a registered professional agrologist.

鈥淚鈥檓 humbled to serve B.C.鈥檚 tree fruit producers and excited to hit the ground running,鈥� said Arts. 鈥淚 know how hard growers are working, and the challenges we face. I understand what鈥檚 at stake. I am committed to supporting our members, and leading with purpose, working together with industry and government to deliver lasting support for B.C.鈥檚 tree fruit growers. We鈥檙e stronger together, and I鈥檓 here to help turn that strength into results."

Melissa Tesche was the most recent executive director. She is moving onto a role with the OBWB.