Some 50 claims have been filed for hail damage in the Central Okanagan this spring.

Storms on May 28 and June 3, felt primarily in the Kelowna and Ellison area and the Vernon and Bellavista areas respectively, hit apple, cherry and pear growers, prompting 50 notices of loss for damages to the Kelowna Production Insurance office.

“At this point the extent of the damage is still being determined,” according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s communication department.

Local orchardists report the damage extremely sporadic. While Christine Dendy, a grower on the upper bench in East Kelowna, said bad weather had not been a factor at all on her farm, BC Fruit Growers’ Association president Fred Steele said a few Glenmore growers were hit. His apple orchard sits in the neighbourhood, but fared fine.

It would appear a storm surging in the South Okanagan on May 26 did the most damage.

Growers in Cawston and Oliver have filed 118 notices of loss after hail hammered apple, pear, apricot, prune and plum crops, with some farmers reporting extensive damage.

The decision over whether or not to purchase hail insurance is up to individual growers. Orchardists who have not been hit by hail can still secure 100 per cent coverage, despite the late hour in the growing season.

The 2013 growing season was devastating for many Central Okanagan growers. Damages over the course of the season were estimated to top $18 million with 1200 claims filed.

Source - http://www.kelownacapnews.com/