Okanagan peaches, nectarines, and apricots are unavailable due to a cold snap in January that saw temperatures drop to -28°C, killing nearly all stone fruits in the region. This situation has impacted farmers, fruit stands, and markets in B.C.
Jennay Oliver, owner of Paynters Market in West Kelowna, commented, "We're branching into some of the places that grow peaches really well." She added, "We're bringing some fruits from the States, which is really hard for me because we only sell B.C. products."
Oliver's first batch of imported peaches is from Georgia, with additional imports from Washington. Other markets in the Okanagan and Lower Mainland are following suit. A sign explaining the situation has been posted at her store, and the reception has been positive.
Deep Brar, vice president of the BC Fruit Growers Association, reported losing 15 acres of peaches and noted, "When you look at packing and then the trucks that truck and all that fruit to the coast … if we combined it all together, it's a big, big loss for us."
Adaptation is essential, according to Oliver. "We grow over 100 different types of varieties of fruit and vegetables. So we just planted four times the amount of watermelons, and we're really leaning into our field crops," she said.
Source: globalnews.ca