In the Okanagan-Similkameen region of Canada, cherry growers are confronting significant crop losses due to an extreme cold snap experienced in mid-January. BC Cherry Association president, Sukhpaul Bal, highlighted the unprecedented low yield, attributing it to the rising costs of farming and questioning the viability of cherry cultivation under these conditions. The extent of the damage varies across the region, with some areas experiencing little to no bud formation on trees.

According to Alan Gatzke of Gatzke Orchards, the damage is inconsistent, with certain high elevation areas seeing almost no cherry production. The Similkameen Valley appears to be the most severely affected, suffering from not only a lack of buds but also significant tree die-back. The impact extends beyond cherries, as Jennay Oliver from Paynter's Fruit Market reports a total loss for peaches and apricots, prompting a shift towards ground crops like watermelons and cantaloupe.

The cherry industry, which represents a substantial portion of Canada's production, requires more support from both provincial and federal governments, according to Bal. He criticizes the current support system as inadequate for the challenges posed by recent extreme weather events and calls for increased investment in infrastructure to sustain the industry. A recently announced $70 million replant program is seen as a step in the right direction, but further investment is deemed necessary.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com