In August 2024, Premier David Eby announced a one-time climate change response fund aimed at supporting our province’s fruit growers. This fund was a beacon of hope for many of us who have faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years. However, as we enter 2025, the delay in delivering this crucial support is causing significant distress and uncertainty for this industry.
The last few years have been nothing short of disastrous for fruit growers in British Columbia. We have endured extreme weather events, including record-breaking heat domes and unexpected cold snaps, which have decimated our crops and jeopardized our livelihoods. The January cold snap this year alone wiped out fruit blossoms, leaving many trees barren and grapevines frozen on the vine. These events have not only impacted our current harvest but have also cast a shadow over the future of our farms.
The closure of the BC Tree Fruits Co-operative this past summer added another layer of complexity to our struggles. The co-operative’s collapse left many growers without a reliable outlet for their produce, further exacerbating the financial strain we are already under.
Premier Eby’s announcement of the climate change response fund was a step in the right direction, recognizing the urgent need for support to help us develop resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change. However, the delay in delivering this fund has left us in limbo, with no clear timeline or details on how the support will be provided.
As the president of the BC Fruit Growers Association, I am calling on the provincial government to expedite the delivery of this fund. Our growers need immediate financial assistance to recover from the losses incurred due to extreme weather events and to invest in measures that will help us adapt to the changing climate. This includes purchasing equipment, implementing new farming practices and exploring innovative solutions to ensure the longevity of our farms.
The future of British Columbia’s fruit-growing industry is at stake. Without timely support, many of us may be forced to abandon our farms, leading to a loss of agricultural diversity and a significant impact on our local economy. We need the government to act now and fulfill its promise to support us through this critical period.
The delay in delivering the climate change response fund is not just a bureaucratic issue—it is a matter of survival for many fruit growers in British Columbia. We urge the provincial government to prioritize this fund and provide the necessary support to help us navigate the challenges posed by climate change. Our livelihoods and the future of our industry depend on it.
Peter Simonsen is president of the BC Fruit Growers Association.
