A new program will revitalize hazelnut, grape, berry and tree-fruit production and increase the competitiveness and resiliency of B.C. farm businesses while supporting food security.
“The Perennial Crop Renewal Program is about renewal and ensuring our farmers are profitable and have sustainable production in the long run,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “Our producers have faced recent challenges, such as extreme weather and disease, and by supporting them so they can plant more resilient, climate-friendly crops, we will improve their bottom line and strengthen both the food economy and food security in B.C.”
The Perennial Crop Renewal Program will provide as much as $15 million to support multiple sectors with potential agronomic and market opportunities. Funding will help farmers adapt to environmental and market conditions by supporting the removal, diversification or planting of perennial crops, ensuring British Columbians enjoy local produce for years to come.
The amount of funding and project goals will vary by sector. Examples of crops eligible for the program include apples, cherries, grapes, raspberries, blueberries and hazelnuts.
“The Perennial Crop Renewal Program will provide welcome support to the B.C. wine-grape industry, which contributes $3.75 billion annually to the province’s economy,” said Miles Prodan, president and CEO, Wine Growers British Columbia. “The strength of our industry rests on the resilience of our vineyards, especially in the face of our changing climate.”
Tree-fruit growers will also benefit from an additional $1 million of tree-fruit market development support to increase the competitiveness and profitability of B.C. apples in domestic and export markets.
“Tree-fruit growers in B.C. appreciate the investment in food security and ensuring that growers have the resources to renew their orchards,” said Sukhdeep Brar, vice-president, BC Fruit Growers' Association. “The BC Fruit Growers’ Association thanks Minister Alexis for this vote of confidence in the local production of high-quality, B.C.-grown produce.”
The Perennial Crop Renewal Program and the tree-fruit market-development funding will be administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).
“IAF has built a strong relationship with B.C.’s perennial crop sectors since our inception more than 25 years ago,” said Jack DeWit, chair, IAF board of directors. “Using our administrative expertise, we look forward to continuing to work with and support the sectors to deliver these complex programs.”
Quick Facts:
- The Perennial Crop Renewal Program will replace individual programs, such as the raspberry replant program and hazelnut renewal program, previously funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
- The Perennial Crop Renewal Program is a cost-shared program with three streams:
- sector development projects – 100% of costs for perennial food crop industry associations/sector stakeholder groups
- removal projects – a flat per-acre rate that is expected to cover 100% of costs for perennial food crop food producers farming in B.C.
- planting projects – 75% of nursery plant and crop support system costs for perennial food crop producers farming in B.C.
- The $1-million tree-fruit market-development strategy supports one of the key recommendations in the Province’s B.C. Tree Fruit Stabilization Plan.
Learn More:
Applications and more details for the Perennial Crop Renewal Program are available online: www.iafbc.ca/pcrp
The Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/crop-production/tree-fruits
A backgrounder follows.