Financial aid to help B.C. fruit growers following co-op closure

Tree-fruit growers in British Columbia will be able to access some updated financial supports now that the B.C. Tree Fruits Cooperative has been shuttered.

The province said the three new financial supports and changes are meant to address issues caused by extreme weather, market instability and the closure of the co-op, to ensure growers have a stable bottom line.

“Locally grown fruit is loved across B.C., but for the last few years, farmers and the industry as a whole have faced unprecedented challenges,” Premier David Eby said.

“From extreme weather driven by climate change to the closure of the processing co-operative, growers need support if they are going to be able to survive and thrive in the future. We’re taking action now at the provincial level, and also championing important changes needed from federal government. Farmers need all levels of government to pitch in during this critical moment.”

The provincial AgriStability program is being enhanced to raise the compensation rate to 90 per cent and double the compensation cap for all farmers for the 2024 program year, and late enrolment will be available for producers not already in the program. The changes will provide an estimated $15-million in immediate relief to farmers so they can stabilize their income and manage their properties to be more resilient to extreme weather.

The program also created a new Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program to provide $5-million to producers so they can equipment and undertake projects that would not be eligible under other programs.

“This has been a challenging time for farmers, including B.C. fruit growers. Our government has been listening to them. What we are hearing is everyone is facing different challenges, but the common denominator is that farmers need help now with their bottom line,” Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food, stated.

“Today’s announcement reflects both short-term support with more money available to farmers through AgriStability payments, and longer-term support with a new climate resiliency program so growers can plan and ensure there is a sustainable supply of B.C. cherries, peaches, apples and other tree fruits in future years.”

Additionally, Eby and Alexis directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to work with the tree-fruit industry to develop options for one-time funding to support smaller producers.

“We are appreciative of the province’s actions to support the tree-fruit sector, which has been grappling with significant challenges for the past four years,” Peter Simonsen, president of the B.C. Fruit Growers Association, said.

“The enhancements to the AgriStability program and the introduction of the Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program are positive steps toward stabilizing our industry, and we are particularly encouraged by the development of a one-time Climate Change Response Fund that can provide immediate relief to our farmers who are on the front lines of climate change. However, we must remember this is just the first step in a long journey. There is much more work to be done to ensure the sustainability and growth of our sector. We look forward to working closely with the province and all levels of government to ensure the longevity of the B.C. tree fruit sector.”

The province added it was also taking action to address the closure of the B.C. Tree Fruits Cooperative, stating over 60,000 bins from the former organization will be shipped to packing houses, that alternate arrangements had already been found for a majority of the apple growers, supporting growers who had outstanding payments from the co-op, and ensuring growers have the needed food-safety certifications in place.