Grape growers seeking support after climate change ‘disaster’
Grape growers in the Okanagan are seeking more government support after losing more than half of this year’s crop due to climate change-related events.
The organization Wine Growers British Columbia is calling it a disaster, saying a cold snap down to minus 30 degrees Celsius last December resulted in devastating short-term and long-term effects on grape crops.
“Initial forecasts following the freeze event showed a potential crop reduction of 39 to 56 per cent,” Miles Prodan, president and CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia, said.
“Following bud break, our industry-wide research concluded that our worst fears were realized with a 54 per cent reduction in 2023 and 45 per cent of total planted acreage suffering long-term irreparable damage.
Prodan said the losses will have a severe impact on the economics of the industry, affecting the revenues of both vineyards and wineries, tax revenues collected by government, and, most importantly, the livelihoods of agricultural workers and other wine industry professionals with a projected job-loss of 381 full-time jobs.
“Our industry has taken several devastating hits over the past several years and this freeze event has really compounded the situation,” Christa-Lee McWatters, general manager, TIME Family of Wines and Chair of Wine Growers BC, said.
“The provincial support programs provided relief for some, however, with the widespread impact of climate change we require concerted government efforts in order to sustain the livelihoods of these important local businesses.”
The South Okanagan Valley, Kelowna and Similkameen Valley are expected to be the most impacted with each showing potential losses of 60 per cent or more. With respect to loss by variety, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon suffered the most, each projecting losses of more than 65 per cent.
Agricultural and Economic Impact:
- 54 per cent reduction in grape and wine production for the 2023 vintage
- 45 per cent of total plant acreage suffered long-term damage
- 29 per cent of total acreage needs to be replanted
- $133 million in direct revenue lost to the B.C. wine industry
- Over $200 million in indirect economic revenue loss to suppliers, BC Liquor Stores, restaurants etc.
- 20 per cent reduction in full-time vineyard and winery employment
The B.C. wine industry is calling on the provincial and federal governments for additional support efforts including a dedicated AgriRecovery grant to support crisis relief, additional funding for the Perennial Crop Renewal Program, and aligning the provincial crop insurance program to cover unique climate-change related events such as this.
Charlie Baessler, managing partner at Corcelettes Estate Winery, said wine growing is difficult, and they are having to adapt in how they manage their vineyards.
“This year, wine growing is about making lemonade from really cold lemons. Our industry is rich in talent, creative thinkers and can-do attitudes, but we cannot get far without proper recovery funding. For our loyal B.C. wine fans, we are still hard at work crafting premium wines for you and although this too shall pass, I’d suggest stocking up on your favourite B.C. producers wine for the next 24 months.”
To read the full report on the winter bud damage, click here.