Bc tree fruits industry is teetering on the brink of collapse as climate change wreaks havoc on orchards across the province. Successive years of extreme weather events, including scorching heatwaves, devastating freezes, and destructive hailstorms, have pushed farmers to their limits.
The closure of the 88-year-old BC Tree Fruits Cooperative underscores the severity of the crisis. Without urgent intervention, the industry faces a bleak future. Farmers are calling for immediate and substantial government support to help them survive and rebuild.
Government Action Imperative
To prevent irreparable damage, the government must implement a comprehensive support package for fruit farmers. This includes emergency relief funds, increased investment in replanting programs, and long-term support for research into climate-resilient farming practices.
Additionally, addressing the issue of unfair competition from heavily subsidized U.S. imports is crucial to ensuring the viability of B.C.’s fruit industry. Fair pricing for local farmers is essential to their survival.
The future of British Columbia’s iconic fruit industry hangs in the balance. It is time for government and consumers alike to recognize the critical role that these farmers play in our food supply and take decisive action to protect this vital sector.
BC Tree Fruits Climate Change Wreaks Havoc on Orchards
The B.C. United Party is calling for a comprehensive, independent audit of BC Tree Fruits following its recent decision to shut down and liquidate its assets. During a town hall meeting in Kelowna on Thursday evening, party leader Kevin Falcon addressed the challenging situation faced by Okanagan fruit growers due to the unexpected announcement from BC Tree Fruits last week.
Falcon highlighted that with the closure of the 88-year-old cooperative, hundreds of farmers are now left without a means to sell their produce, raising serious concerns about their livelihoods. “The tree fruit growers are in the worst crisis that I’ve ever seen,” Falcon stated. “And the tree fruit cooperative that’s been around for almost 90 years has now collapsed, leaving a significant number of growers in a difficult situation. What we need, and what I hear from all the growers in the community, is: Where is our premier? Where is the minister of agriculture? Why is nobody from the government here when the growing community that produces all the fruits that everyone enjoys in British Columbia needs support?”
Falcon pointed out that the province had a representative on BC Tree Fruits’ board “while this entire disaster was unfolding.” He emphasized the need to halt the liquidation and sale of the facilities until the current growing season is over. “The government needs to provide temporary financial support to help our growers get through the busy season. Apples are going to be harvested in two weeks; they need a place to go,” Falcon insisted.
He suggested that this approach would give the government time to determine the next steps, which could include selling to the private sector or reorganizing the existing structure. “But you have to bring in some independent experts to thoroughly assess the situation and figure out the best way forward,” Falcon concluded.
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