The provincial government says it’s providing funding for tree-fruit growers in B.C. to protect their orchards from the effects of extreme weather.
The new Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program will give $5 million to fund things like protective covers, energy-efficient heaters, and wind machines to help combat extreme cold. It will also provide canopy sprinklers and shade protection to offer help during extreme summer weather.
The new program builds upon the province’s Extreme Weather Preparedness program to offer specific support to tree fruit growers after several years of extreme weather that negatively affected crops for peach, plum, cherry, and apple farmers in B.C.
In a statement Thursday, the government says the program is also open to applications for projects to help support industry resiliency.
“I know how hard it has been for them to deal with the effects of extreme heat and extreme cold,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Harwinder Sandhu.
“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.”
The program was conceived with the help of the BC Fruit Growers Association and the BC Cherry Association. It was initially announced in August 2024 as part of the government’s plan to aid tree-fruit growers face challenges caused by climate change.
“Last summer, British Columbians saw almost no local cherries available and missed out on having delicious Okanagan peaches to enjoy,” said Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham in the statement Thursday.
“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 allow multiple farmers to jointly apply for projects that will benefit more than one grower.
BC Fruit Growers Association Vice President Deep Brar says he appreciates the fund.
“The climate has been exceptionally tough on our growers for the past few years, with devastating impacts from heat domes and cold snaps. We look forward to working closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the tree fruit industry in British Columbia remains strong and sustainable for generations to come.”
The program will provide 80 per cent of funding in a cost-sharing agreement for eligible projects up to a maximum of $100,000 per business, and the ministry says multiple growers can also apply for a project that benefits more than one producer.
—With files from The Canadian Press