Tree fruit growers in British Columbia can now apply for critical funding to safeguard their orchards against extreme weather, with applications for the provincial government’s Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program officially opening on Jan. 30, 2025.
Targeted at growers farming over one acre of tree fruits, including apples, cherries and pears, the program prioritizes measures to protect against increasingly unpredictable weather, whether that be extreme cold or heat.
The program offers up to $100,000 per farm business, covering 80 percent of eligible project costs to help producers invest in climate mitigation tools like wind machines, protective covers and cooling systems.
The program goes beyond traditional solutions, with an innovative solutions stream allowing growers to propose customized projects that address specific climate-related challenges.
The program also encourages collaboration, allowing neighboring growers to apply for shared equipment that benefits multiple properties.
For projects exceeding $5,000, growers must submit a site map, detailed project budget, and supplier quotes for equipment to complete their application. Growers can contact AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca for support.
Photo by Yvonne Turgeon