British Columbia has launched a new $10 million fund to help tree fruit farmers facing proposed U.S. tariffs on the heels of years of devastatingly low crop yields.
A statement from the Ministry of Agriculture says the money will be handed out as one-time payments to farmers and can be used to help with needs like tools, training, capital for farm improvement, farm debt repayment and farm wages.
The ministry says approximately 720 tree fruit growers will be eligible for a payment on a per-acre basis, up to a maximum of 28.3 hectares.
The promise of a cash injection is welcome by Summerland peach grower and vice president of the B.C. Fruit Grower’s Association, Deep Brar.
“The amount of texts and calls I’ve had this morning is all positive. Everyone is just pumped,” he told CBC News.
Radio West5:37A cherry farmer in Summerland welcomes the 10 million dollars, no-strings-attached new funding from the provincial government to tree fruit farmers
A cherry farmer in Summerland welcomes the 10 million dollars, no-strings-attached new funding from the provincial government to tree fruit farmers
The funding comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, though that plan is paused until March 4 — the same day the province is set to release its budget.
Extreme weather has led to multiple bad years recently for B.C. farmers, including a cold snap last winter that wiped out almost all of the province’s stone fruit.
The province says the latest funding is part of more than $237 million it has spent on support for tree fruit growers since 2020.
“These past years have been very challenging for B.C. tree fruit farmers, and we want to make sure they are ready for this season and seasons to come,” Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham said in the statement.
“We want farmers to be successful and this $10 million will help them rebuild to ensure a resilient, sustainable future for B.C.’s tree fruit industry.”
Brar said he already has plans for how to use the money.
“I’m going to drop it in the bank and pay off some credit lines,” he said. “Everyone is going to put this money straight back into their farm.”
