The Government of British Columbia has announced a series of new initiatives designed to support tree-fruit growers facing challenges due to extreme weather, market instability, and the recent closure of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative. (Read related article BC Tree Fruits Closure Sparks Urgent Farmer Talks)
These measures aim to stabilize the industry and provide immediate relief to farmers who have been significantly impacted.
Among the key initiatives is an enhancement to the AgriStability program, which will see the compensation rate increased to 90% and the compensation cap doubled for the 2024 program year.
This change is expected to provide approximately $15 million in relief to BC farmers, helping them manage the financial risks associated with extreme weather events.
In addition, the Province has launched the Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program, which allocates $5 million to assist tree-fruit farmers in purchasing new equipment and pursuing projects that enhance farm resilience.
This program builds on previous efforts to prepare farms for the challenges posed by climate change.
The BC government is also exploring options for a one-time fund focused on supporting smaller producers, ensuring that even the most vulnerable farmers receive the help they need to continue their operations.
Premier David Eby and Minister of Agriculture and Food, Pam Alexis, have emphasized the importance of these measures in sustaining the tree-fruit sector. They acknowledge that while these actions are a positive step, further efforts will be required to secure the long-term future of the industry.
Local industry leaders, including Sukhpaul Bal of the BC Cherry Association and Peter Simonsen of the BC Fruit Growers Association, have expressed their appreciation for the Province’s swift action. They highlight the importance of ongoing collaboration between the government and the agricultural community to address the sector's challenges.
As BC continues to navigate these difficult times, the government remains committed to supporting its farmers and ensuring the sustainability of the province’s tree-fruit sector for years to come.