Berry, wine grape, and tree fruit producers in British Columbia will receive additional support to replant their farms, vineyards, and orchards with more climate-resilient fruit varieties. The aim is to strengthen local food supply, maintain production capacity, and support the provincial economy.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, funding under the Enhanced Replant Program is intended to help growers adapt to changing conditions, increase productivity, and reach new markets. The current intake is expected to support replanting on about 809 hectares (2,000 acres) this season. Four funding streams are open this fall for berry and tree fruit replanting, as well as berry removal.
Adapting to climate pressures
Overlooking Okanagan Lake, The View Winery in Kelowna has used the program to replace a grape variety that was not suited to colder winters. "The funding enabled us to replace a less cold-hardy grape with Chardonnay vines, which are better able to withstand extreme cold events," said Jennifer Molgat, president of The View Winery. "We are pleased to add Chardonnay to our portfolio."
Kahlon Farms in the Fraser Valley, a family-owned business operating for about 40 years, has also participated in the program. The farm produces raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, and has been replanting with newer varieties. "Plant removal and replanting costs can be a major barrier to converting to more adaptable, disease-resistant, and higher-yielding varieties," said owner Sukh Kahlon. "The Enhanced Replant Program has supported this transition."
In 2024, about 200 projects were approved under the program, resulting in around 809 hectares of orchards and vineyards being replanted with improved varieties after removing unproductive or damaged plants.
Sector perspectives
Provincial officials and grower representatives view the replant initiative as a step toward improving resilience in perennial crops. "Tree fruit, wine, and berry growers sustain communities and contribute to local economies," said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for agriculture. "This support helps them recover from climate impacts and maintain supply."
Peter Simonsen, president of the BC Fruit Growers' Association, emphasized the need for ongoing renewal: "Perennial crop renewal requires commitment. The investment through the enhanced replant program reflects a commitment to keeping growers at the productive forefront."
Similarly, Sudeshna Nambiar, executive director of the BC Blueberry Council, said the program has helped growers replace older or diseased plants with higher-yield, disease-tolerant varieties, improving long-term sustainability.
Jack DeWit, chair of the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C., which administers the program, noted that it "helps growers replant with varieties suited to changing conditions, supporting the long-term strength of the sector."
Program overview
The Enhanced Replant Program is a five-year initiative aimed at replanting about 3,600 hectares (8,900 acres) of perennial fruit crops across British Columbia. It supports the replacement of low-yield or outdated varieties with those better aligned with current market and climatic conditions. The program is administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.
For more information:
Government of British Columbia
Tel: +1 604 660 2421
Email: [email protected]
www2.gov.bc.ca
