The B.C. government is increasing funding for Okanagan apple growers, with support provided in four strategic areas to help the tree industry continue to provide local fruit to British Columbians. It’s the government’s response to recommendations in the Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan and requests from the tree-fruit industry.

Over the next two years, $2.5 million will go towards crop health, fruit production, apple marketing and skills training. The funding includes:

• Establishing a tree-fruit extension program that will provide on-farm support to an estimated 250 growers each year to support improved fruit quality, increased production and farm business operations

• Supporting the Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program to reduce the risk of known fruit pests, and improving the quality and quantity of apple and cherry harvests

• Working with the tree-fruit industry on a domestic and international marketing strategy for B.C. apples, highlighting key market opportunities, consumer preferences, marketing prices and logistics

• Supporting Okanagan College in developing a tree-fruit specific certificate course to increase industry capacity and help meet labour needs

The tree-fruit industry in B.C. has about 400 commercial growers who farm approximately 15,000 acres of apples, pears, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums.

Source: BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food November 17, 2022 news release