By Liam Verster/Vernon Matters

Financial aid to support tree fruit industry in B.C.

Sep 12, 2024 | 4:03 PM

Some new assistance is rolling out to help prop up the tree fruit sector in British Columbia.

In the wake of the closure and application for creditor protection by the B.C. Tree Fruits Cooperative, the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) of B.C. has reportedly dedicated roughly $4-million to ensure co-op members are paid the money owed from past harvests. The money will come through provincial funding that the IAF expects to recoup following the creditor protection court process.

Additionally, the B.C. government announced that $100,000 would be provided to the B.C. Fruit Growers Association to be used by growers to receive their food-safety certification, which was previously offered through the co-op.

“These are very challenging times for B.C.’s tree-fruit growers and we are continuing to support them in getting their fruit to market as well as with cash in their pockets now,” Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food, stated.

“Our priority from the beginning has been working with growers to ensure they are receiving as many of the services the co-op provided as possible, including food-safety certification, access to storage and bins, and connecting with packing houses. This is why we set up an emergency table with the sector to work together on solutions. We are monitoring the court process closely and will continue to support growers in finding alternative arrangements for their harvest.”

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The province noted that since the co-op announced its closure, more than 73,000 bins of apples had been shipped to packing houses, and that 120 of the 179 apple-growing co-op members had been connected with packing houses.

“The Okanagan has a rich history of farming and food production, highlighted by our delicious tree fruit, and it’s so important that we continue to support B.C. growers,” Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee, said.

“It has been a difficult time for fruit growers with the closure of the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative. I have had numerous conversations with fruit-tree growers, and I continue to advocate for those impacted. Many growers are being connected to packing houses and other services and we will continue to collaborate on solutions going forward.”

Orchardists who have not made arrangements with a private packer can receive some support from the province by calling the AgriService B.C. line at 1-888-221-7141, or by visiting the tree-fruit support website set up by the Minister of Agriculture and Food.

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