Okanagan orchardists have received a shot in the arm and it’s absolutely necessary.
Through the $2 million provincial grant, fruit growers will be able to abandon low-revenue crops for those varieties that have a better chance of bringing in revenue.
And given the costly burden associated with replanting, support from government is critical if the industry is to remain competitive.
But no one in Victoria or living here in the North Okanagan should consider this $2 million an answer to the sector’s woes.
What continues to be needed is a complete shift in thinking and specifically among consumers.
Instead of simply repeating the catch phrases of food security and closer to home, actually find a place for local fruit (and vegetables) on your shopping list. Go to the farmers market, or purchase Okanagan fruit at your favourite grocery store.
Obviously we all need to be price conscious when dealing with fixed budgets, but consider the implications of buying local. It creates employment and those farmers and orchard workers then use their paycheques in local restaurants and stores, as well as paying their taxes. Purchasing local fruit also ensures that the lush orchards we all take for granted continue to grow.
Federal and provincial governments also need to prevent foreign fruit from being unfairly dumped on the market, forcing prices down below the cost of production.
Ultimately, $2 million for tree replanting is positive and will help the industry.
But so much more needs to be done to support an important industry.
—The Morning Star
