The provincial government is investing $8.4 million over the next seven years for the fruit tree replant program.
Under the program, fruit growers can apply for grant funding beginning on April 1 until the 2021 season.
According to provincial estimates, more than 600 hectares will be replanted during the program. This will provide an estimated 2,600 jobs annually in the Okanagan.
“This program extension ensure that growers will be able to continue to produce a wide-variety of fruits from cherries, stone fruits and unique B.C. apple varieties which are known around the world for their quality and exceptional taste,” said Penticton MLA Dan Ashton.
In 2013, B.C. fruit growers produced Canada’s second largest tree fruit crop, worth almost $103 million.
The application and criteria will be available on the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association website.