Okanagan apple industry receives provincial funding

Nov 17, 2022 | 2:10 PM

The B.C. government is providing support to the Okanagan apple growing industry in four key areas.

The province will invest $2.5-million over two years to improve crop health, fruit production, apple marketing and skills training.

“B.C. apple growers are an important part of our province’s food security and economy,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food.

“We are working directly with the industry, family farms and businesses to ensure they succeed into the future, and putting B.C.’s apple growers in the best position to increase their efficiency, production and profitability.”

Through this funding, support will be provided to an estimated 250 apple growers each year to improve fruit quality, production and farm business operations.

Fire spreads to house

Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire

Apr 02, 2026

Youth Health Services

Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon

Apr 02, 2026

Displaced For A Week

Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire

Apr 01, 2026

Okanagan College will receive support through the investment to develop a tree-fruit specific certificate course.

On the marketing side, some of the funds will be used to highlight key market opportunities, consumer preferences, market pricing and logistics.

The investment will also support the Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program to reduce the risk of pests and improve quality and quantity of both apple and cherry harvests.

“Tree-fruit production is a great source of pride here in the Okanagan. Coming from a farming family, I know how hard farmers work and how difficult these past few years have been on them,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

“That’s why our government is working hard to strengthen the industry to ensure its longevity. This funding will support the industry as it works toward its goals of increased production, competition and skills training for a new generation of growers.”

The priority areas were identified through the Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan, which was developed jointly with the province and the fruit growing industry.

by Liam Verster

View Comments