We, at the BC Fruit Growers Association, are appreciative of the recent announcement by the Province to support the tree fruit sector and protect growers and workers. We are encouraged to see that our voices are finally being heard and that the challenges we face are being acknowledged by the BC Government.
The enhancements to the AgriStability program and the introduction of the Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program are positive steps toward stabilizing our industry. We are particularly encouraged by the recognition of the significant impact of climate change events on our sector and the commitment to help us prepare for these extreme weather events, especially with the commitment for the development of a one-time Climate Change Response Fund. The past few years have been disastrous due to the extreme weather conditions, and this initiative will begin to help us manage the increasing risk in our industry. Without immediate assistance, growers will be unable to continue to grow in today’s climate, so the prioritization of the Climate Response Fund is crucial for our sector.
However, we must stress that this is only the first step in supporting a sustainable tree fruit sector in British Columbia. We look forward to further collaboration with the provincial government to ensure the longevity and sustainability of our sector. We are eager to participate in the development of the proposed one-time fund with an emphasis on smaller producers.
While we appreciate the provincial government’s efforts, it is also past time for the federal government to step up and provide the necessary support to our industry. The challenges we face are not limited to the provincial level, and we need all levels of government to do what is necessary during this critical moment.
This announcement is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. As growers, we remain committed to working hard alongside the government to ensure a sustainable future for the BC tree fruit sector.