B.C. fruit growers invest in new tools to protect crops from extreme weather

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The program is part of the provincial government’s wider effort to protect B.C. agriculture from the growing threat of climate change.

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In a press release issued Thursday morning, Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, said she met with growers in the Okanagan earlier this year and heard firsthand about the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods.

“Many of them spoke about the challenge of a changing climate that has impacted their livelihoods and affected local food security,” Popham said. “Extreme weather events are a major concern, and this investment will help farmers install much needed equipment to protect their orchards and the delicious, quality fruit British Columbians rely on and enjoy.”

The funding is being used to buy protective gear such as wind machines, energy efficient heaters and cooling systems. One grower is installing hail netting to shield crops from storm damage.

Support from the B.C. Fruit Growers Association and the B.C. Cherry Association played a key role in launching the program.

“Working together with the B.C. Fruit Growers Association and the B.C. Cherry Association has been crucial in developing a robust response to support our provinces dedicated tree fruit growers,” said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for agriculture and MLA for Vernon Lumby. “I know from my visits to orchards and meetings with growers how much these projects can help.”

The president of the B.C. Cherry Association said industry participation in the program was overwhelming.

“After five consecutive years of extreme climate events, we needed to take a proactive approach,” said Sukhpaul Bal. “The Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program allows growers to make investments in their farms to better protect against future events.”

The vice president of the B.C. Fruit Growers Association, Deep Brar, echoed that support, adding the program was oversubscribed within 20 hours.

“We sincerely appreciate the efforts in supporting the tree fruit industry, and as we move forward, we hope for even more support to continue addressing the challenges we face and to ensure the sustainability and growth of our sector,” Brar said.