Apple growers in British Columbia are looking for ways to stop the breakdown of their industry amid a downturn that’s cut profits. Some see the creation of a marketing commission as the best chance to stop the downward spiral that threatens to damage B.C.’s reputation as a leading tree fruit exporter, but the plan could be controversial among others who have profited from increased competition.
Apple returns have been low for most of the past decade, with some farmers choosing to uproot their orchards to plant cherries or wine grapes instead. B.C. apple acreage declined by eight per cent between 2015 and 2020, according to a Ministry of Agriculture report, with further declines likely in recent years.
Sukhdeep Brar, who grows apples and cherries on a farm in Summerland, admitted that he sometimes wonders if the return on his 25 acres (10 hectares) of apples is worth it. “When growers aren’t making money, they spend less money on their orchards,” including inputs like fertilizer and pest control, he said. “That puts us into a spiral, because it impacts tree health and fruit quality, as well as the ability to buy new equipment.”
The decline of B.C.’s apple industry have been visible for some time. Before labor shortages hindered harvest during the pandemic and the heat dome damaged two years of crops, Okanagan apple farmers were already facing poor returns. Farmer-owned packing co-ops had steadily been losing market share to independent packers, leading to increased competition and price undercutting. At the same time, retail consolidation gave grocery giants more power to set prices, while Washington state orchards were steadily growing larger.
Now, the fruit growers’ association is leading a committee to explore the idea of an apple marketing commission. Consultations with growers will begin next week, with a report expected after several weeks. The committee must decide if there is enough support to hold a farmer vote on the proposal to form a commission. If so, that could happen in the spring.
Source: vancouversun.com