Stock photo (ID 60029426 © Viorel Dudau | Dreamstime.com)

By Liam Verster

Extreme Weather Supports

New provincial funding unveiled to support B.C. fruit growers

Jan 30, 2025 | 9:58 AM

Fruit growers in the Okanagan and in British Columbia have a new financial stream to access for extreme weather supports.

The B.C. Government unveiled a new $5-million Tree Fruit Resiliency program for orchard owners to help with the purchase of items and equipment. Eligible products include protective covers, energy-efficient heaters and wind machines to help during periods of extreme cold, or canopy sprinklers and shade protection to mitigate impacts of extreme heat.

“Last summer, British Columbians saw almost no local cherries available and missed out on having delicious Okanagan peaches to enjoy,” Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, said.

“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 program will also be open to applications for innovative projects to support industry resiliency, and multiple growers may also submit joint applications for a project that benefits multiple properties, such as the installation of wind machines.

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“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 he effects of extreme heat and extreme cold,” Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for agriculture and MLA for Vernon-Lumby, said.

“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.”

Successful applicant will receive up to $100,000 per farm business to cover up to 80 per cent of the eligible product price.

Applications will be accepted through the B.C. Government’s website until the $5-million has been allocated.

The program was developed with input from the B.C. Fruit Growers Association and the B.C. Cherry Association .