KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, July 2, 2010 – The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, announced today an investment of $5 million to support the tree fruit industry. This funding will deliver real results for farmers by helping to develop new marketing opportunities, infrastructure, and further improve orchard pest management.

“Canada’s Economic Action Plan is putting farmers first, by helping to increase production and sales, and creating more opportunities for farmers to get their product to market,” said Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This investment will allow the tree fruit industry to find new technologies that will help them stay ahead of the curve in the global market.”

 “We recognize growers are facing difficult challenges, such as a high Canadian dollar and unpredictable weather,” said Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson. “Eating locally delivers important economic, health, and environmental benefits to British Columbians. We are committed to working with the industry to promote B.C. agri-food products.” 

The Province of B.C. announced $2 million in funding, and the Federal Government will provide an investment of $3 million more. This combined funding will be used for new environmentally friendly packing and storage infrastructure, marketing opportunities that raise the profile of fresh and processed apples, and to build on work accomplished by the sterile insect release program in the Okanagan and Kootenay regions. 

“Everyone benefits from a healthy and prosperous fruit industry,” said BC Fruit Growers’ Association President Joe Sardinha. “There are approximately 800 orchard operators in B.C., and together they generate $900 million in economic activity that creates jobs and delivers high quality products to markets in B.C. and around the world.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan continues to help farmers with its focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs.

Investments in viable market opportunities will help build an even stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy.

This investment is made through the AgriFlexibility Fund, a five year, $500 million fund created to help reduce costs of production and improve environmental sustainability for the sector; promote value-chain innovation and sectoral adaptation; and respond to emerging opportunities and market challenges for the sector.

The Governments of Canada and BC also offer a suite of jointly-funded Business Risk Management programs under Growing Forward. AgriInvest, AgriStability and AgriInsurance (crop insurance) work together to provide farmers with support against farm income and production losses beyond their control.

For more information on this program visit www.agr.gc.ca/agriflexibility.

To find a farm or market in your area that sells B.C. fruit, visit: www.bcfarmfresh.com. 

For more information on the Sterile Insect Release program, see http://www.oksir.org/.