Province Continues Commitment to BC Fruit Growers
KELOWNA – Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson and Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan presented a $591,426 cheque to the BC Fruit Growers’ Association today as part of the Orchards and Vineyards Transition program.
“In B.C., our tree fruit growers have established themselves as leaders in this international industry and, as a result, have earned an outstanding reputation for their products worldwide,” said Thomson. “The tree fruit and grape industries are subject to an ever-changing market and we are working with them to ensure they remain competitive both in B.C. and in the global marketplace.”
In 2007, the Government of Canada and the Province entered into a contribution agreement for the Orchards and Vineyards Transition Program to help the tree fruit and grape industries adapt to industry pressures and changing markets. The federal government contributed $4.98 million toward strategic plans and removal costs, and the Province provided $3 million through a grant to the Investment Agriculture Foundation for an orchard replant program. The term of the agreement is for four years, starting in fiscal 2007-08 to 2010-11.
“The Government of Canada remains committed to the long-term success of British Columbia’s orchards and vineyards,” said Cannan, on behalf of federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “I’m proud to be part of a government that is delivering real results for farmers to ensure profitability of and growth of their operations.”
Today’s funding is part of the removal program funded by the federal government and delivered by the BC Fruit Growers’ Association, which covers removal and disposal costs of tree fruits and/or grapes to prepare the land and make it available for agriculture or cultivation. Under the agreement, funding in the amount of $4.14 million is provided for this program. Another $840,000 is allocated to supporting strategic regional plans.
“For almost 20 years, the orchard replant program has led to the revitalization and modernization of the B.C. tree fruit industry. As growers, we are continuing to invest in new varieties and intensive planting systems, producing high quality products for extremely competitive markets,” said BC Fruit Growers’ Association president Joe Sardinha. “The federal and provincial governments’ contribution to removal, strategic development and replant programming supports the ongoing efforts of growers to diversify their farms and capitalize on evolving consumer trends. The BCFGA appreciates this support and the opportunity to deliver these programs on behalf of growers within the tree fruit and wine grape sectors.”
With support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, the BC Fruit Growers’ Association initiated a long-term strategic planning process in 2006. The industry strategy has resulted in:
- Packinghouse restructuring.
- Better quality control of packed product.
- New labour initiatives.
- Industry participation in the school fruit and vegetable nutritional program and Eat and Drink BC.
- Expanded promotion of ambrosia apples in U.S. markets.
- Continuing replant efforts.
- The launching of new cherry and apple varieties.
- The creation of an industry innovation fund.
