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The British Columbia government announces an additional $70 million for farmers to replant and strengthen fruit orchards and vineyards following two years of weather-related disasters.
Premier David Eby reveals that this funding will supplement the province’s existing $15 million Perennial Crop Renewal Program, which was launched last spring to assist over 200 farmers in replacing diseased and unproductive plants.
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Speaking at a wine industry conference in Penticton, Eby mentions that the new funding will support approximately 1,000 more producers in revitalizing their farms.
B.C.’s wine grape growers report that a cold snap in January led to the destruction of up to 99% of the province’s harvest, following previous challenges such as a deep freeze in 2022 and wildfire smoke damage in 2021.
Okanagan fruit growers also suffered significant losses due to the January cold spell, with temperatures in Kelowna dropping to -27°C and causing 90% losses for stone fruits.
Eby also announces the establishment of a B.C. wine grape sector task force to develop strategies to help producers adapt to climate change and maintain profitability.
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