As fruit buds swell, B.C. farmers hit by 2024 deep freeze hope for better harvest

As the winter season progresses, farmers in the Okanagan Valley are keeping a close eye on the budding peach trees, hoping for a successful harvest in 2025. Peter Simonsen, a farmer in Naramata, B.C., is cautiously observing the early swelling of buds on his peach trees, reminiscent of last year’s disastrous crop loss due to a sudden cold snap following a warm spell.

Simonsen, who also serves as the president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, expresses his concerns about the premature breaking of dormancy in the fruit buds. He recalls the devastating -30 C temperatures that wiped out crops across the region last year, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for farmers.

Meteorologist Brian Proctor from Environment Canada provides some reassurance, noting that while a hint of colder weather is expected in the coming weeks, it is not forecasted to be as severe as last year. Despite this, farmers like Simonsen and Alan Gatzke from Oyama, B.C., remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming harvest season.

Gatzke, who lost his entire crop of peaches and nectarines last year, is hopeful for a full crop this year but emphasizes the need for slightly colder temperatures to slow down the budding process. With memories of last year’s devastation still fresh, farmers are keenly aware of the need for favorable weather conditions to ensure a successful harvest.

The B.C. wine industry also suffered significant losses due to the cold snap, prompting the government to allocate additional funding for orchard and vineyard recovery. Michael Bartier, a winemaker in Oliver, B.C., remains positive about the upcoming season, noting the healthy appearance of the fruit buds in his vineyard.

Despite the challenges faced by farmers like Jennifer Deol from There and Back Again Farms in Kelowna, who are still recovering from last year’s losses, there is a sense of resilience and determination within the farming community. Deol highlights the importance of community support and advocacy for farming in navigating through tough times.

As the winter months progress and the peach trees continue to bud, farmers in the Okanagan Valley are cautiously optimistic about the prospects for the 2025 harvest season. With a combination of vigilance, preparation, and hope, they are gearing up for what they hope will be a successful year for their crops.