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The BCFGA’s top three priorities this year are 1, Replant Programs, 2, Orderly Marketing for the Apple Sector, and 3, a special one-time investment paid to Tree Fruit Growers after several years of market and climate challenges.
Replant Renewed - Now Planting, plus more
Anticipation for the start of the growing season means decision-making and planning for the coming season, and a frequent request from members to the BCFGA is about replant.
The BCFGA recently noted to new Minister of Agriculture Pam Alexis that renewal of the tree fruit replant program would be a ‘vote of confidence’. On April 30, that vote of confidence was cast, as the Minister announced the new Perennial Crop Renewal Program.
The 2024 plantings will be the first eligible tree fruit planting program, so 2023 tree fruit (and grape) planting projects will not be funded by the program.
Now the good news, and there is lots of it!
- It appears the planting stream will go beyond replant to include planting, which in the past was referred to as ‘bare land’ planting.
- A removal stream will be offered. It is unclear whether Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 removals will be eligible. The BCFGA is urging that these removals be eligible.
- A third stream will support projects in support of perennial horticulture planting. As an example, the idea of high-density peach production was once discussed under the old Tree Fruit Competitiveness Program, and is now again a possible project under the third stream of the Perennial Crop Renewal Program.
- The sector development stream will allow investigation into the best types of cultivars and rootstocks, different planting systems, and other innovations.
Funding and timelines are very encouraging for growers that can take advantage of the Perennial Crop Renewal Program over the next two to three years, until the funding is fully allocated.
Eligibility and project criteria will be developed through an “opportunity assessment project” and subsequent recommendations by an independent consultant.
It is expected the criteria (project requirements) in the Planting stream will be more extensive, and that the level of grants will be higher than previous programs. The BCFGA is advocating for reasonable, straight-forward program criteria. The Planting program design work may take several months to complete, so a little more patience is required before the program requirements are clarified.
Requirements for the Removal stream are likewise not established yet. It may be ruled that Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 removals are not eligible for a removal grant, but Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 removals would be eligible. BCFGA has requested further discussion on this issue and will continue to seek retroactivity for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 removals to be allowed, as that is more equitable with other commodities in the program. We will have to wait for a resolution on this important question.
The perennial crop renewal program covers several commodity groups:
- Tree fruit
- Grapes
- Blueberry
- Hazelnut
- Raspberry
Total funding for the program is $15 million. Program intake will be continuous, with specific dates set to process batches of applications. Program funding will be allocated in order of application date, so long as the project meets the program criteria. Once the program funding is fully expended, the program will end.
Orderly Marketing for Apples
Following a trial run of an Apple Packer Group, more progress was needed to overcome the destructive internal competition in the industry that has resulted in BC apples being sold within Canada at a significant discount compared to competitors.
In order to overcome this deficiency and threat to the apple sector, a new way of doing business is needed, considering acreage is down from 8,500 to 6,700 acres in the past four years.
The Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan has approved funding to examine orderly marketing. Despite some opposition, it is important to note some facts:
- A study will be conducted by a world-renowned apple economist.
- The information will be for the examination and discussion by the industry.
- With full information, good decisions can be made by growers and gain the support of packer-marketers for a new, balanced way of doing business that is good for everyone.
- There is no predetermination on a solution; only direction that some form of orderly, disciplined marketing must displace the current, financially unsustainable direction.
- While the aim is that everyone comes to the table with an open mind and ideas, there are many who disagree with the general principles of orderly marketing, based on their experience and role in the industry.
Some are entrenched and do not wish to discuss any change. The basic level of trust between packing and marketing organizations needs to be improved, and growers need a say. The difficult discussions need to take place, and a balance needs to be achieved that is the best for rescuing the apple sector from its current, unsustainable trajectory.
The three-legged stool
With the new Planting Program and Orderly Apple Marketing, one of the BCFGA priorities remains unaddressed; namely the financial situation of the tree fruit sector after years of adverse weather and market impacts. The BCFGA continues to appeal to the Minister of Agriculture to help the industry in a time of financial stress, as there has been and will continue to be help for other commodities and sectors of the economy that are in dire financial straits.
We are simply asking for fairness, based on measurable, real financial stress.
In summary, there is progress on two of the three BCFGA priorities, and further work is needed on all three. If the industry leadership continues to remain focused on improvements, then improvements will come. ν
Glen Lucas, P.Ag. General Manager, BCFGA
