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Tree fruits

Last updated on February 12, 2024

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

Program and project updates

Tree fruit stabilization project 

A ministry-led tree fruit stabilization project was launched in February 2021, after consultation with an external advisory committee composed of key stakeholders and partners. Recommendations in the resulting stabilization plan were built from extensive feedback.

More than 30 sessions with 165 individuals were held during the consultation process, representing all aspects of the industry, including producers, packers, marketers, retailers, researchers, and government: 

Updates:

Supplemental information

Tree Fruit Stabilization Advisory Group Terms of Reference (PDF, 168 KB)

Strategy, engagement and analysis

The Tree Fruit Industry Stabilization Plan's:

Program reviews

These include:

Production

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

Acreage reports

Tree fruit acreage chart

Tree fruit acreage (2021)

The 2021 tree fruit acreage and maturity report looks at trends in the tree fruit acreage in five regions across B.C. (North, Central, and South Okanagan, Similkameen, and Creston Valley). The primary tree fruit grown in these regions are apple and cherries. The vast majority (80%) of B.C.’s tree fruits are produced in North, Central, and South Okanagan. New to the report this year is an analysis of maturity, which shows that cherry orchards, on average, are younger than other tree fruits. Since trees generally become more productive as they age, this means that cherry yields are expected to increase. The 2021 tree fruit acreage and maturity report looks at trends in the tree fruit acreage in five regions across B.C. (North, Central, and South Okanagan, Similkameen, and Creston Valley). 

Tree fruit acreage (2020)

Apples

 

Apples total acreage graph

Currently, there are approximately 6,300 acres of apples being grown in these five regions. Apple acreage peaked in the mid-2010’s and then started to decline. By 2021, apple acreage was roughly the same as it had been in 2011. Apple acreage is highest in the Central and North Okanagan regions. However, while apple acreage is still increasing in the North Okanagan, it is decreasing in the Central Okanagan region.

Cherries

Cherry acreage has been increasing rapidly and steadily in the province over the last ten years. In 2021, there were just over 5,100 acres of cherries. Like apples, the majority (88%) of the cherry acreage is in the three Okanagan regions. Acreage is showing consistent growth in both of the most significant regions, North and Central Okanagan. 

Cherries total acreage

Supplemental nutrient resources: 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. 

The following 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). The information includes specific ideal fruitlet nutrient targets for Ambrosia apples and some common disorders that can occur with deficiencies or excesses of particular nutrients. 

In developing these Ambrosia fruitlet resources for growers, we 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:

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.

The 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. Learn which tree fruit crops are eligible for Production Insurance

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.

Environmental practices:  Sustainable soil, water and air resources

Farm practices in B.C.:  Read industry-specific fact sheets

Marketing:  Find information and training

Organics:  Learn about organic production

Statistics for agriculture industries: Fast Stats

Contact information

Have a question? Call or email us.

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1-888 221-7141
Email
AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca