Photo: Contributed

The BC government is investing $8.4 million for a tree-fruit replanting program.

The program supports producers’ efforts to meet consumer demands for high-value and high-quality B.C. fruit.

Growers will be able to apply for grants beginning April 1, 2015 through to the 2021 season.

An estimated 1,500 acres of orchards will be replanted over the length of the program, providing an estimated 2,600 jobs each year in the Okanagan.

“The B.C. Fruit growers are the heart of the South Okanagan economy and one of the founding sectors of our region,” said Dan Ashton, MLA for Penticton. “This program extension ensure that growers will be able to continue to produce a wide-variety of fruits from cherries, stone fruits and unique B.C. apple varieties which are known around the world for their quality and exceptional taste. I encourage all local growers interested in the program to apply.”

“Our government and local growers worked hard together to ensure this program remains in place so B.C. fruit growers can implement long-term and sustainable tree fruit operations on their lands,” said Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “B.C. fruit production is a major economic driver in our region, with products grown right here in the South Okanagan, Boundary and Similkameen exported to markets in Asia, Europe and across North America. I am pleased to see this program extended.”

The new program builds on the recent success of growers who replanted low-value orchards with high-demand and high-quality varieties like Ambrosia apples and late-season cherries. 

B.C. growers produced Canada’s second largest tree fruit crop in 2013, generating almost $103 million in farm cash receipts.

Program applications and criteria will soon be available on the BC Fruit Growers Association website.