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.
- The Path Forward: A blueprint for B.C.’s tree fruit industry (PDF, 3.2 MB) (November 2021)
- June 10 2022 Tree Fruit Sector Update Final (PDF, 134 KB)
- November 05 2021 Tree Fruit Sector Update Final (PDF, 107 KB)
Supplemental documents
- 2020 BC Cherry and Apple Acreage Report (PDF, 1.5 MB)
- Tree Fruit Stabilization Advisory Group - Terms of Reference (PDF, 168 KB)
- Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan - Industry Engagement Strategy (PDF, 155 KB)
- Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan - Report on Stakeholder Engagement_SUMMARY (PDF, 170 KB)
- Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan - Report on Stakeholder Engagement_DETAILED (PDF, 294 KB)
- Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan - Analysis and Audit of Organizations (PDF, 218 KB)
- Economic Contribution Study of British Columbia's Tree Fruit Sector (PDF, 595 KB)
Program Reviews
- TFRP Program Assessment Report (final Mar 4, 2022) (PDF)
- SIR Program Evaluation – March 31, 2022 (PDF, 478 KB)
- Tree Fruit Competitiveness Fund Program Assessment Report_April, 2021 (PDF, 522 KB)
Production
The following information can help growers increase their competiveness through higher production quality and fruit variety diversification.
Information on building home nurseries:
- Tree Fruit Home Nurseries (PDF, 2.5MB)
Descriptions of tree fruits species, blossoming and harvest times:
Information on the management of plant pests and diseases that damage berry crops:
The BC Fruit Growers' Association has an Integrated Fruit Production Guide for managing your crops:
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.
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.
