Province investing in fruit industry to address crop loss and market issues

The B.C. government will be rolling out more supports to aid the tree fruit sector.

The province said the industry faced numerous challenges over the past four years, and threats to growers and the food business from proposed US. tariffs add more concern to the industry.

In an effort to assist farmers as they recover from years of crop loss, market issues, and labour shortages, the province will roll out a new funding stream to help producers purchase tools, make farm improvements, train workers, repay debts, and pay wages. The one-time funding will be made available in the spring of 2025.

“These past years have been very challenging for B.C. tree fruit farmers and we want to make sure they are ready for this season and seasons to come,” Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, said.

“We want farmers to be successful and this $10 million will help them rebuild to ensure a resilient, sustainable future for B.C.’s tree fruit industry. We appreciate the hard work and commitment of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) and its leadership team, and we will continue working with the sector to support initiatives that further stabilize the industry so people in British Columbia can depend on fruit produced right here at home.”

Tree fruit farmers will be able to access funds on a per-acre basis, with a maximum allocation covering 70 acres. It was stated approximately 720 tree fruit growers in B.C. could benefit from the program.

“This $10-million, one-time payment from the Province recognizes the resilience and dedication of our farmers and their families, but also is a testament to the relentless advocacy and efforts of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association on their behalf,” Peter Simonson, president of the BCFGA, stated.

“We are thrilled the provincial government has followed through with this support for tree fruit farmers. We deeply appreciate Minister Popham’s efforts to work together to find a solution for our members and we look forward to building on this relationship with the Province so tree fruit growers can survive, grow and eventually thrive.”

These funds are part of ongoing work to support the tree fruit sector. Other programs from the province include the tree fruit climate resiliency program, the enhanced replant program, the Buy B.C. campaign, marketing and promotion supports for apple growers, and funding to support the Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan.

“I welcome this much-needed support for our fruit tree growers as they have been through difficult times,” Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for agriculture and MLA for Vernon-Lumby, added.

“I have been directly hearing from our farmers over many months and I’m glad we are doing more to support them. This will help tree fruit farmers in our province and it will help all British Columbians have access to B.C. fruit at a time when the dangers of the U.S. tariffs are looming large.”

Tree fruit growers can learn more about the new and existing funding and programs at the province’s website.