Minister of Agriculture and Food announced in March a historic $70 million investment to help the region's fruit and grape growers replace damaged crops by replanting more climate-resilient, high-quality varieties. This investment, although promising, does not immediately solve the current crisis. Bal and Brar, like many other growers, are hoping for more immediate emergency help from the province to overcome this difficult situation.
Bal recounted that in mid-March, the B.C. Minister of Agriculture visited his orchard to assess the situation and discuss the farmers' difficulties. Despite calls for emergency funding, no concrete help has been offered so far, leaving the growers struggling with a desperate situation.
The disaster caused by the extreme cold to the cherry trees has become evident, with growers facing one of the worst seasons ever. The lack of blossom in the orchards is a tangible sign of the devastation suffered by the cherry buds. Bal, president of the B.C. Cherry Association, said many growers are in the same predicament, with the possibility of losing this year's entire crop.
Deep Brar, another cherry grower, shared Bal's concerns about the future of the crop. The decision to abandon a crop is difficult and costly, as it still requires expenditure to maintain the trees, despite the lack of income from non-harvesting.
Read the full article: Global News
Image and video: Global News
06 Jun 2023
Cherry growers are looking for solutions to improve the efficiency of their plants, guarantee the product quality demanded by the markets and reduce production costs. These include the mechanisation of certain cultivation operations such as pruning and harvesting.
19 Jan 2024
According to the US Department of Agriculture, Michigan had 23,000 acres of sour cherries in 2022. The number of growers decreased from 540 in 2006 to 253 in 2022. The number of processors also decreased from 24 in 2011 to 14 in 2023.
16 Oct 2026
Rain in Chile threatens cherry quality as harvest approaches. The article outlines strategies to prevent fruit cracking and manage Botrytis, covering protective biofilms, chloride applications, irrigation management and timely treatments during ripening and harvest.
16 Oct 2026
Ciliegia delle Colline Veronesi moves towards PGI status after a successful public hearing on its production rules. The area spans 54 municipalities, over 1,200 hectares and more than 2,300 farms. Next come national procedures and EU scrutiny to protect local producers.
