“The Hon. Lana Popham brings a depth of understanding as new Minister of Agriculture,
both through her active MLA role as Agriculture Critic and her practical farming
experience. The agriculture industry, including the tree fruit sector, is set to grow its
major economic contribution to the BC economy. We will work with Minister Popham to
deliver on Agriculture’s potential in the BC economy. Let’s start by getting some BC
cherries to the hardworking firefighters! ” said Fred Steele, President of the Association.
Steele also thanked previous Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick for his leadership both
as an MLA and Minister of Agriculture. “Norm Letnick was instrumental in renewing the
Replant Program, which has helped many growers get past the financial hurdle of
replanting to higher yielding, premium varieties of apples and cherries”, Steele said.
“We are anxious to meet with the new Minister so that we can get down to work on
expanding the economic contribution of BC grown tree fruits to the BC economy. We
are also looking forward to working with new Deputy Minister of Agriculture Wes
Shoemaker, who also knows the agriculture industry well from a previous term in the
Agriculture Ministry before moving to Environment”, concluded Steele.
The BC Fruit Growers’ Association represents 520 family operated farms. Based on the
most recent Agriculture Census in 2016, the family-owned tree fruit farms in BC generate
income of $ 118.6 million per year, with a packed value of $218.8 million, and $776.6
million of economic activity annually.
The family-owned farms in BC produce about 220 million pounds of apples per year and
33 million pounds of cherries. The area of tree fruit farmed is 14,700 acres, up from
13, 800 acres five years ago.
