Funding of $5 million has been allocated to the Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency fund, aimed at supporting British Columbia's tree fruit growers in adapting to evolving climate conditions. The fund has facilitated the acquisition of various protective equipment, including 52 wind machines, 10 energy-efficient heaters, two hail nettings, one shade/heat protection netting, one evaporative-cooling system, and a project for a freeze chamber to assess bud hardiness.
According to a media release, the investments are distributed among different fruit sectors: 49 projects for cherry growers, nine for apple and pear growers, and nine for other stone-fruit growers. The majority of these projects, 64 in total, are located in the Okanagan region, with an additional three in the Kootenays.
The initiative is designed to assist growers in acquiring necessary equipment and infrastructure following several years of adverse weather impacting peach, pear, plum, cherry and apple production. Administered by MNP, the program aims to bolster nearly 360 hectares of orchards, mitigating the effects of extreme weather on the tree-fruit industry. The completion of these projects is anticipated by March 2027.
Sukhpaul Bal, president of the B.C. Cherry Association, remarked, "The B.C. Cherry Association was very pleased to see the high uptake by industry in this program. After five consecutive years of extreme climate events, we needed to take a proactive approach."
The program's development involved collaboration with the B.C. Fruit Growers' Association and the B.C. Cherry Association, reflecting governmental efforts to support the sector through climatic challenges.
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