Other protective measures, funded through recently-distributed government grants, include netting, shade systems, and a freezing chamber to test bud hardiness.听
A total of $5 million is being directed toward 64 temperature-mitigation projects on farms across the Okanagan. The program was announced earlier this year, and the monies have now been awarded to the successful applicants.听
鈥淚 know from my visits to orchards and meetings with growers how much these projects can help, an I am excited to see growers using this technology to protect their crops and increase production of the renowned Okanagan fruit that sa国际传媒 takes pride in,鈥 Vernon NDP MLA Harwinder Sandhu said in a government release.听
Almost 370 hectares, or 887 acres, of farmland will be better protected from extreme heat and cold through projects funded by the program. 鈥淲e were very pleased to see the high uptake by industry in this program,鈥 said BC Cherry Association president Sukhpaul Bal, a sa国际传媒 orchardist.听Forty-nine of the 64 funded projects are on cherry orchards.听
All the available funds were gobbled up in less than a day when the money became available.听
鈥淭he overwhelming response, with the program being oversubscribed in just 20 hours, clearly demonstrates the significant need within our industry,鈥 said Deep Bear, vice-president of the BC Fruit Growers Association.听
Grants help tree-fruit growers buy equipment, invest in infrastructure, and pursue innovative projects following several years of extreme weather events that have severely affected peach, pear, apple, plum, and cherry producers.听
It provides up to 80 per cent funding for eligible projects, up to a maximum of $100,000 per farm business.听
Wind machines draw warmer air from above and direct it to ground level, raising temperatures just enough to protect the crop from bitter cold. Extreme heat can also be a problem, particularly if it develops quickly after a rainstorm, as the moisture on the crops causes the fruit to split in the sun.听
In such conditions, some farmers can afford to rent helicopters to fly low over their orchards, with the downwash from rotors forcing the moisture off the fruit. Shade protection systems blunt the full force of the summer sun in the crucial period just before the fruit is harvested.听
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