CA (BC): Apple harvest gets underway in British Columbia

“We're a little early this year by about a week,” said Glen Lucas, general manager for BC Fruit Growers' Association. “That's because we had kind of a good spring, with warm weather throughout spring and summer, but it's still within the bounds of normalcy. It's just a little early.” Localized hail storms damaged about five percent of the crop earlier this month, but because the hail wasn't widespread, the damage was limited. The rest of the crop has been looking good.

“Sunrise apples just got started, that's one of our early varieties, and we're pretty excited about it,” said Lucas. He explained that the variety, which was developed at the Summerland research station, is unusual because it has a longer shelf life if left unrefrigerated. In terms of volume, he noted that this year's production will be on par with that from the last several years, which is a good sign considering the trend over the last few decades has been for the region's growers to continually produce less fruit.

“We've had decreasing volumes over the last 30 years in the Okanagan Valley,” said Lucas. “But production has stabilized over the last three years, and now we're really trying to grow the industry.” Decreasing volumes have come as a result of fewer acres dedicated to apples, as cherry varieties that could go deeper into the season were planted in favor of apples. Similarly, many growers opted to dedicate their land to growing grapes for the burgeoning wine industry or simply sell it to developers building houses.

Though growers have begun harvesting, the main part of the season is still several weeks away. Sunrise apples are currently being picked, but it won't be until mid-September when the bulk of production will take place.

“Prices typically flow from the end of one year to the beginning of the next, but it's too early to tell what the market will be like right now,” said Lucas. “There have been two good years where growers in British Columbia have been happier than in previous years, so the market has been improving. But growers never count their eggs before they hatch, though everyone's excited and looking forward to the season.”

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Glen Lucas