Join Gorgi Petkov on an immersive and informative experience at Petkov Kiwi Productions. On your Petkov Kiwi farm tour, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of agriculture and horticulture and more specifically kiwi fruits. The tour begins with a visit to our kiwi vineyard (orchard), ideally timed to coincide with or just before the harvest season. Here, you'll gain valuable insights into the growth and care of kiwi vines, witness the harvesting process, and explain how the harvested kiwis are stored in cold storage facilities. We'll also provide a brief introduction to the global and Canadian kiwi industry, shedding light on the key challenges of commercially growing kiwis in the beautiful landscape of British Columbia. As part of the tour, you'll delve into the physiology of kiwis and their specific requirements, such as the ideal soil conditions, water management, and climate considerations. For those interested in the science behind the fruit, we'll demonstrate how to measure sugar levels in the kiwis using a refractometer. In addition, we'll showcase the equipment used in harvesting, including the harvesting bins and fruit-picking bags and baskets. You'll also gain an understanding of PSA disease and its impact on kiwi cultivation. Venturing beyond the kiwi vineyard, the farm boasts a collection of over 30 different fruit varieties, planted as a mini trial. These include persimmons, figs, pomegranates, mini kiwis, plums, prunes, pears, quince, cherries, sour cherries, peaches, apples, aronias, paw paws, a diverse assortment of berries, and grapevines. Weather permitting, we'll explore these fruit-bearing plants, which range from 1 to 65 trees or bushes per variety. However, in the event of rainy weather, the mini trial site may pose challenges due to its location approximately 500 feet from the parking lot, which features grass or dirt paths. Although the mini trial site may pose challenges in rainy weather, we'll still showcase our diverse collection of fruits and offer valuable insights.

Gorgi Petkov, embarked on his journey from Macedonia, former Yugoslavia, to Canada two decades ago. He was raised amidst his parents' orchards and vineyards, where he developed a deep-rooted passion for agriculture.

His educational path led Gorgi to a horticulture high school, followed by a bachelor's and master's degree in Viticulture and fruit production. Throughout his years in Canada, Gorgi remained dedicated to agriculture, starting as an assistant vineyard manager and eventually assuming the role of a vineyard manager at local vineyards.

In 2008, Gorgi took a significant step by establishing an 8-acre kiwi vineyard. Alongside kiwis, he ventured into the cultivation of various other fruit varieties in smaller quantities, conducting mini trials to identify what could thrive successfully in the fertile lands of the Fraser Valley. Today, his farm boasts a diverse collection of over 30 different fruit types, with over twenty varieties of vegetables flourishing every summer.

Initially, the kiwi vineyard enjoyed immense success, yielding bountiful harvests and remaining free of pests and diseases. However, two years ago, the farm faced a challenge as PSA (Pseudomonas Syringae pv. Actinidiae) made its presence felt. The disease swiftly spread, causing a 90% drop in kiwi yields. Following this year's harvest, the kiwis will be removed, and Gorgi is optimistic about replacing them with grape vineyards.

In addition to his hands-on farming experience, Gorgi has been involved in part-time vineyard consulting for the past 18 years. While the kiwi vineyard keeps him occupied, he focuses his consulting efforts on existing clients. "Now, I'm returning to my roots in viticulture and vineyard consulting, offering my expertise to those who seek guidance in the cultivation of vineyards and the art of winemaking." - Gorgi Petkov