B.C. strengthens tree-fruit sector, protects growers, workers
By Province of British Columbia
B.C. tree-fruit growers will benefit from three new or updated financial supports and changes to help stabilize their bottom line and overcome significant challenges posed by extreme weather, market instability and the recent closure of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative.
The supports are part of a package of actions being taken to protect and strengthen the tree-fruit sector and support those whose livelihoods depend on it.
“Locally grown fruit is loved across B.C., but for the last few years, farmers and the industry as a whole have faced unprecedented challenges,” said Premier David Eby.
“From extreme weather driven by climate change to the closure of the processing co-operative, growers need support if they are going to be able to survive and thrive in the future. We’re taking action now at the provincial level, and also championing important changes needed from federal government. Farmers need all levels of government to pitch in during this critical moment.”
The Province is enhancing its AgriStability program to raise the AgriStability compensation rate to 90% and double the compensation cap for all farmers for the 2024 program year. This will provide an estimated $15 million in immediate relief to farmers in need.
This enhancement will help stabilize farm income and help farmers manage the increasing risk due to extreme weather. Late enrolment will also be available for producers not enrolled in the AgriStability program.
The new Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program will provide $5 million to help tree-fruit farmers buy equipment and pursue projects that were not eligible under previous programs. This will strengthen farm resilience and preparedness for extreme weather. This program will build on the successful extreme weather preparedness program and recognizes the effect of climate-change events on the tree-fruit sector during the past few years.
“This has been a challenging time for farmers, including B.C. fruit growers. Our government has been listening to them. What we are hearing is everyone is facing different challenges, but the common denominator is that farmers need help now with their bottom line,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food.
“Today’s announcement reflects both short-term support with more money available to farmers through AgriStability payments, and longer-term support with a new climate resiliency program so growers can plan and ensure there is a sustainable supply of B.C. cherries, peaches, apples and other tree fruits in future years.”
Sukhpaul Bal, president, BC Cherry Association, said: “The BC Cherry Association is pleased with today’s announcement by the B.C. government. Extreme weather events over the past five years have been devastating for agriculture in B.C., and As resilient as farmers are, this support recognizes these sudden changes in climate go far beyond what they can handle. Moving forward, British Columbia can and should be a leader in food production, but we recognize this needs an agricultural strategy that re-examines the entire food system and an unprecedented investment in agriculture. Finally, we would like to thank and acknowledge ministry staff for working tirelessly with industry leaders in providing this immediate support and we look forward to working collaboratively on long-term, sustainable strategies and solutions.”
To support the longevity and sustainability of the sector, Premier Eby and Alexis have directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to begin developing, in consultation with industry, options for a one-time fund with an emphasis on smaller producers.
“We are appreciative of the Province’s actions to support the tree-fruit sector, which has been grappling with significant challenges for the past four years,” said Peter Simonsen, president, BC Fruit Growers Association.
“The enhancements to the AgriStability program and the introduction of the Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program are positive steps toward stabilizing our industry, and we are particularly encouraged by the development of a one-time Climate Change Response Fund that can provide immediate relief to our farmers who are on the front lines of climate change. However, we must remember this is just the first step in a long journey. There is much more work to be done to ensure the sustainability and growth of our sector. We look forward to working closely with the Province and all levels of government to ensure the longevity of the B.C. tree fruit sector.”
The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation has offered community transition team supports to the Town of Oliver to assist adversely affected workers in the tree-fruit sector.
The Province continues to work directly with producers to mitigate impacts of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative closure, including an industry-led emergency table created to find solutions to issues such as certifications for export, logistics and cash flow, as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food continues to connect growers to options for storage and packing facilities.
The ministry has also been directed to explore options to support the co-operative’s receiver and any private-sector interests in protecting certain functions of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative to meet the needs of growers.
Learn More:
More information for BC Tree Fruits Cooperative members as well as an online grower survey where growers can identify their immediate needs can be found online:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/crop-production/tree-fruits/information-for-bc-tree-fruit-cooperative-members
