Christy Clark Announces $8.4 Million for BC Tree Fruit Replanting

Premier Christy Clark learning about grafting from a local grower. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

The province is investing millions into a program to help the growth of B.C.'s delicious apples, cherries, and other tree fruits.

Premier Christy Clark announced Friday that the government was investing $8.4 million into a seven-year tree fruit replant program. “It's about providing certainty for B.C. fruit growers,” said Premier Clark. “And making sure we continue to showcase the best tree fruits in the world, both here at home and internationally.”

From April 1, 2015 to the 2021 season, tree fruit growers can apply for the program to replant their orchards. The province estimated that more than 600 hectares (1,500 acres) are going to be replanted during this time, providing 2,600 jobs each year in the Okanagan.

Clark making her announcement to the press and local growers. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

The program is building on success of growers who have replanted some orchards with low-demand fruit with high-demand and high-quality fruit varieties such as Ambrosia apples and late-season cherries. Applications and criteria for this program will be available soon on the B.C. Fruit Growers Association website.

“This was important for me even before I represented the Okanagan,” said Clark. “It's because this business is really important for our economy across the globe. It's $900 million for agriculture in the province.”

Clark says that with replanting, growers will be able to “increase the quality and therefore the price that they get for their products, and it's going to allow them to do it a little more quickly.” With grafting, growers can change their fruits within two years to meet market demand.

A chilly day at the location of the announcement, Brian Witzke Farm. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

B.C. Fruit Growers' Association president Fred Steele was at the event, thanking the MLAs for the new program. “Growers are genuinely excited about the announcement of the replant program as the government set a goal of a sustainable, long-term replant program, and today this promise is delivered,” said Steele. “The program matches the long-term nature of growing apples and cherries, as well as soft fruits, and it is not only appreciated, it is essential to our future.”

In 2013 alone, B.C. growers produced more than 103,000 tonnes of tree fruits, nearly one quarter of the tree fruit production across Canada.