A new funding initiative aims to help tree-fruit growers in British Columbia strengthen their orchards against extreme weather conditions, ensuring that communities can continue enjoying local peaches, cherries, and apples for years to come.
“Last summer, British Columbians saw almost no local cherries available and missed out on having delicious Okanagan peaches to enjoy,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “We know these climate impacts will continue, which is why we’re helping growers with a new program so their crops and businesses become more resilient in the face of increasingly challenging growing conditions.”
The $5-million Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program will provide funding for essential equipment such as protective covers, energy-efficient heaters, and wind machines to protect crops from extreme cold.
It will also support the installation of canopy sprinklers and shade protection to combat extreme heat. Additionally, the program welcomes applications for innovative projects that contribute to the industry's long-term resilience.
“The Okanagan is home to B.C.’s iconic tree-fruit sector and through my conversations with growers, I know how hard it has been for them to deal with the effects of extreme heat and extreme cold,” said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for agriculture and MLA for Vernon-Lumby.
“Climate change is a real challenge for our farming communities and this new program will help growers with projects and equipment that support their farms’ profitability, resiliency and sustainable food production for the years ahead.”
Farmers can also submit joint applications for projects that benefit multiple producers, such as a shared wind machine that serves several orchards.
Developed in consultation with the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association and the B.C. Cherry Association, the program was launched in August 2024 as part of the province’s broader strategy to support tree-fruit growers through ongoing industry challenges.
"We greatly appreciate the B.C. government's commitment to supporting tree-fruit growers with the new $5-million Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program," said Deep Brar, vice-president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association.
"This funding is a significant step toward helping us prepare our orchards for the challenges posed by extreme weather, ensuring that families and communities can continue to enjoy our locally grown peaches, cherries, and apples."
For complete details and application instructions, visit the Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program webpage: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/tree-fruit-climate-resiliency-program