This winter’s extreme cold has caused significant damage to cherry buds, resulting in a poor cherry blossom season. Cherry growers, including Sukhpaul Bal, have been negatively impacted, with Bal stating that this is the worst damage he has ever seen. Many cherry trees have not bloomed at all, leading to concerns about a lack of fruit production. Bal’s 85-acre orchard will not produce a cherry crop this year, a sentiment shared by many other growers in the region, such as Deep Brar.
The decision to abandon a crop is a costly one for growers like Brar, as it not only results in a loss of income but also requires continued investment in maintenance. Despite the challenges faced by cherry growers, emergency funding has not been offered to help soften the blow. Bal had requested additional support in mid-March from B.C.’s agriculture minister, but relief has not been provided. The current programs in place are not sufficient to support farmers dealing with consecutive extreme weather events year after year.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food in B.C. announced a $70 million investment in March to assist fruit and grape growers in replacing damaged crops with climate-resilient varieties. This investment is intended to benefit many cherry growers in the region. However, Bal believes that this replanting initiative does not address the immediate financial crisis faced by growers. He is hopeful that the province will provide emergency relief, along with Brar, who believes that additional funding this year could help pave the way for better outcomes in the future.
Bal expressed concerns that the existing programs are not equipped to support farmers facing five consecutive extreme weather events. He noted that the coverage diminishes as fruit production decreases, leading to a downward spiral for growers. Bal and other growers are advocating for emergency relief to help them through this challenging season. Both Bal and Brar are hopeful that with support from the province, they can overcome the current struggles and look ahead to a brighter future for cherry production in the years to come. Despite the setbacks, growers remain optimistic about the potential for better outcomes in the future.
