In South Okanagan, fruit farmers are encountering significant challenges this year, particularly with peaches, nectarines, and plums. Peach Hill Farm Market, operating for nearly three decades, reports its most challenging season, with no peach production this year. A January cold snap, with temperatures reaching -30 C, severely impacted stone fruit production. Pinder Dhaliwal, former president of B.C. Fruit Growers' Association, highlighted the widespread effect of this weather event, affecting areas from the U.S. border to Vernon.
Farm Credit Canada has responded by offering financial relief options to agricultural producers. The cold has notably affected older stone fruit trees, leading to their death, while younger trees have shown more resilience. Dhaliwal expressed concern over the early loss of fruit trees and anticipated further stress during the summer heatwaves. The province provides production insurance, but Dhaliwal deems it insufficient for many farmers, especially when losses are crop-specific. The ongoing issue has led to decreased reference margins for farmers, forcing some to replace trees, a process taking up to four years without immediate availability from nurseries.
Despite these challenges, Peach Hill Farm Market reports a successful season for pears, cherries, apples, and vegetables like asparagus and onions. The farm anticipates a strong cherry season due to delayed growth, allowing for bigger fruits. The fruit stand plans to open in June, with hopes of customer support through the difficult season.
Source: castanet.net