Tree fruits

The tree fruit industry in B.C. has about 400 commercial growers who farm approximately 15,000 acres of apples, pears, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums.

Ministry program / project updates

Tree Fruit Stabilization Project 

November 12, 2021 - The stabilization project, led by the ministry in consultation with an External Advisory Committee made up of key stakeholders, was launched in February 2021. The recommendations in the stabilization plan were built from the extensive feedback received during 30 consultation sessions from more than 165 individuals representing all aspects of the industry, including producers, packers, marketers, retailers, researchers, and government.

Supplemental documents

Program Reviews

Production

The following information can help growers increase their competiveness through higher production quality and fruit variety diversification.

Information on building home nurseries:

Descriptions of tree fruits species, blossoming and harvest times:

Information on the management of plant pests and diseases that damage tree fruits:

The BC Fruit Growers' Association has an Integrated Fruit Production Guide for managing your crops:

Supplemental nutrient resources for the B.C. Tree Fruit Production Guide

Ambrosia fruitlet sampling

Ambrosia apples are the top grown variety by producers in B.C. and popular in many export markets when grown and handled right.  Fruitlet analysis plays a key role of informing fruit quality decisions in orchards and storage of premium apples, especially for export markets.  For example, calcium plays an important role in storage quality of fruit, however levels in leaf or soil samples are poorly correlated with calcium levels in the fruit. 

These instructional videos and factsheet are designed to guide producers and packers on how to carryout apple fruitlet sampling and make use of the B.C. developed Ambrosia fruitlet nutrient information found at Fruit Tree Nutrition (B.C. Tree Fruit Production Guide). This information includes specific ideal fruitlet nutrient targets for Ambrosia apples and some common disorders that can occur with deficiencies or excesses of particular nutrients. 

We would like to acknowledge the contributions of Dr. William (Bill) Wolk, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, and the New Tree Fruit Variety Development Council for producing the initial methodology and guidelines along with their assistance in developing the below materials.

Resources for growers are below:

Alternative nutrient sources and soil amendments - considerations for Tree Fruit Production Webinar

Products like manure and compost can be a valuable source of nutrients and contributor to soil productivity.  As with any farm input, there are some points to consider in their use.  The webinar discusses the pros and cons of these sources and how they might fit into your orchard.  We will cover the basics of nutrient management, source types and attributes, on-farm composting possibilities, environmental considerations and good neighbour relations.

Webinar is hosted as part of the Tree Fruit Extension Pilot Project.

Watch

Production Insurance

Some Tree Fruit crops are eligible for Production Insurance coverage.  Production insurance helps producers manage their risk of crop losses caused by hail, spring frost, excessive rain, flooding, drought, etc.

Regulation

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a mandate to ensure a safe food supply for everyone in Canada.  Other local, provincial and federal legislation and regulations apply.