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Farming a vital part of Summerland’s economy

Total of 209 farms, on 2,710 hectares of land in the community, according to Census of Agriculture
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Apple growing accounts for 277 hectares of agricultural land use in Summerland. The latest statistics from the federal government’s 2021 Census of Agriculture showed 209 farms, with 2,710 hectares of farm land. (Summerland Review file photo)

Farming is an important part of Summerland’s economy, according to the Census of Agriculture statistics from the 2021 census.

The Census of Agriculture information, released on June 16, showed there were 209 farms in Summerland, with 2,710 hectares of land in agricultural use.

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Of these farms, 108 were four hectares in size or smaller. Another 82 were between four and 28 hectares. The remaining 19 were larger than 28 hectares.

Fruit farming was the dominant land use, according to the census data, with 713 hectares devoted to fruit growing. Apples alone accounted for 277 hectares of agricultural land use, while sweet cherries were grown on 145 hectares and peaches on 24 hectares.

There were also 45 farms with grape growing listed in the census, although, the amount of land used for grape growing was not listed.

Other farms, in addition to fruit farms, included were eight greenhouses, nursery or floriculture operations, 12 hay farms, seven cattle farms and one mushroom farm.

The operating revenues from all Summerland’s farms was listed at $24,580,282. Operating expenses came to $20,929,325.

Of Summerland’s 209 farms, 158, or three-quarters of the farms, had total operating revenues of $99,999 or less. This included 92 farms with revenues of $9,999 or less.

The Census of Agriculture has been conducted every five years since 1956 and includes data on various aspects of agriculture in Canada.

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John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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