JUDIE STEEVES
Black Press
Vernon grower Jeet Dhukia is the new president of the B.C. Fruit Growers Association and vice-president is newcomer Bupinder Dhaliwal of Oliver.
Dukhia defeated a former vice-president of the BCFGA, Fred Steele of Kelowna, for the top position.
Former president of the orchardist organization, Joe Sardinha of Summerland, who was nominated for vice-president, declined to let his name continue to stand after the presidential election.
Dhukia was elected as vice-president at last year’s annual BCFGA convention, but after president Kirpal Boparai resigned two months ago, he became president.
Summerland grower and executive member Denise MacDonald ran for election against Dhaliwal for vice-president, but she was defeated at the ballot box.
Peter Simonsen of Naramata was undefeated in his bid to represent the southern district on the executive.
Amarjit Lalli of Kelowna defeated Asif Mohammed of Vernon in a bid to represent the northern district.
Nirmal Dhaliwal of Oliver was elected to represent the South Okanagan-Similkameen region on the board by acclamation and Denise MacDonald of Summerland was acclaimed to represent Okanagan Skaha.
By acclamation, Jora Dhaliwal was elected to represent the central region while Madeleine van Roechoudt was acclaimed to represent the north region.