Okanagan-Overview
Last updated on August 27, 2024Agriculture is a major contributor to the Okanagan’s economy, and includes a resilient mix of crops, livestock and processed products. Tourism, combined with the proximity of Kelowna and other centres, provides both local and export demand for added-value, high-value, and organic products, and for beverages such as cider, wine and beer.
Growing conditions
This semi-arid region has exceptional growing conditions, with irrigation, fertile soil, hot summers and relatively mild winters.
Crops, livestock and food processing
In northern areas, forage, dairy and cattle ranching are common, while tree-fruit and grape production dominate the central and south regions. The majority of B.C.’s tree fruit is produced here, and recent expansion of late-season grape and cherry farming is further enlarging the sector. Other products include sheep, goats, horses, poultry, berries, nuts, and greenhouse production.
Local Okanagan information
Find out more specific information about the Okanagan agricultural region:
- Thompson - Okanagan drought special e-Bulletin - July 18, 2024
- Industry contacts
- Local planning
- Soil and nutrients
Regional Agrologists
North Okanagan - North Okanagan Regional District (Spallumcheen, Armstrong, Vernon, Enderby, Lumby, Coldstream), Columbia Shuswap RD Areas C, D, E, and F (Sicamous, Sorrento, Salmon Arm)
Lindsay Benbow
Telephone: 778-943-7026
Email: Lindsay.Benbow@gov.bc.ca
Central and South Okanagan - Central Okanagan Regional District (Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna), Okanagan Similkameen Regional District (Penticton, Osoyoos, Princeton), and Kootenay Boundary Regional District Areas C, E, and E (Rock Creek, Grand Forks)
Chris Zabek
Telephone: 236-766-7056
Email: Chris.Zabek@gov.bc.ca
Philip Gyug
Telephone: 250-378-0573
Email: Philip.Gyug@gov.bc.ca
Resources
The ministry has developed regional guides as a resource for producers, on-the ground researchers, and consultants to reflect on the climate issues challenging environmental sustainability and local farm businesses and food production.
The Okanagan region includes the western arm of Columbia-Shuswap, the Similkameen Valley, the Kettle River Valley, the North Okanagan, the South Okanagan and Central Okanagan regional districts.
Contact information
AgriService BC
Have a question? Call or email and a staff person will assist you.
Telephone: 1-888-221-7141
Email: AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca