Replant cash pleases growers

Photo: Castanet Staff

The B.C. Fruit Growers Association is pleased with the 2015 provincial budget, which promises new program benefits and no reduction of agriculture expenditures.

Primary to the industry, the replant program that was announced late last year was confirmed in the budget and will start with this year's growing season.

The program provides growers with a grant of about 25 per cent of the cost of replanting orchards to higher-density plantings that are more productive.

“I was very pleased to be in Victoria to express my thanks to the provincial minister of agriculture for this important program, which will provide close to $8.5 million for replant over the next seven years,” says association president Fred Steele.

“This investment helps tree fruit growers sustain their operations, and triggers additional investments in the local economy.”

The budget also includes $1 million for the B.C. School Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Program, which provides benefits to close to 500,000 school children.

“Adopting healthy eating habits early, in a learning environment, is very effective,” adds Steele.

“Learning this in a school environment will lead to improved eating habits and better health outcomes, plus it encourages youth to support local agriculture and the local economy.”

The provincial budget also included $2 million for a buy local initiative that promotes consumption of locally produced food. Other benefits include new resources for the water sustainability act and the acceleration of Internet provisions for farmers in rural areas.

The BCFGA represents 520 commercial tree fruit growers in B.C.