Campsites set up for seasonal fruit pickers

The B.C. government is providing funding to help local governments set-up designated campsites for seasonal fruit pickers in B.C.

The sites will ensure the incoming workers meet health and safety requirements as outlined by the provincial health officer.

All seasonal fruit pickers will also need to take a new online Covid-19 awareness course through AgSafe, an independent association representing B.C. farm employer and worker organizations. The course will outline the rights and responsibilities of both employers and workers when it comes to Covid-19.

The province is providing $172,000 to set up the accommodations at Loose Bay campground in Oliver and two camping accommodation sites in Creston.

The Ministry of Agriculture has provided the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen with $60,000 and the Creston Valley-Kootenay Lake Economic Action Partnership with $112,000 to help support these camping sites with on-site co-ordination and ensure they meet health and safety requirements. Campsite accommodations are also currently being explored in Summerland, Osoyoos, Naramata and the Similkameen.

To stay in a designated campsite in the Okanagan, workers must complete the course by passing the online quiz and show proof of completion to employers.

The online course can be found at: http://agsafe.lingellearning.com/login/index.php

“Seasonal fruit pickers are a crucial part of our food supply system, helping to get delicious, B.C.-grown fruit, such as cherries, apples, grapes and berries, onto our plates,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “Our government is protecting these workers and local residents by making sure workers have a safe place to camp and are educated on the rules and guidelines Dr. Bonnie Henry has put in place here in British Columbia. The goal is to ensure community safety and this is an important step towards that.”