Jeet Dukhia confirmed he won’t be running for president of the B.C. Fruit Growers Association convention on Feb. 3.
Dukhia, who is president of B.C. Tree Fruits, said there is no bar to being president of both organisations, but he didn’t want to be splitting his work.
“I would like to withdraw my nomination as president of the BCFGA. I am so busy with B.C. Tree Fruit, it is not fair,” said Dukhia, taking the microphone as Fred Steele wrapped up his president’s report during the Feb. 3 session at the annual BCFGA convention held in Penticton.
Jeet said that two weeks after being nominated for BCFGA President, he was elected as president of B.C. Tree Fruits.
“I think we can improve if we work together, the BCFGA and B.C. Tree Fruit,” said Dukhia.
A lot of good work has been done, he continued, but there was more to do.
“I think we can improve if the BCFGA and B.C. Tree Fruits work together,” said Dukhia. “We can have a new direction and put pressure on the government.”
Incumbent BCFGA president Fred Steele is the sole nominee. A Kelowna orchardist, Steele has held the top job for three years.
“I would like to thank Jeet for the things he has done, and the things he will do,” said Steele. “Perhaps this is a new beginning for our associations.”
Steele was unopposed in his bid for re-election and elected by acclamation.