File photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters

By Liam Verster

Replacing Unproductive Plants

Provincial program aims to support berry, wine grape and tree fruit growers

Oct 21, 2025 | 11:50 AM

B.C. berry, wine grape and tree fruit growers will have more supports to access to help with replanting their products with in-demand, climate resilient varieties.

The province said it would be providing funding through the Enhanced Replant Program to help growers as they replace existing acreage with climate-resilient, high-demand varieties of fruit.

“British Columbia is so fortunate to have the people we rely on for the berries, wine grapes and tree fruit that our province is so well known for,” Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, said.

“This support is helping producers replant their orchards and farms, providing jobs, revitalizing their businesses and strengthening the economy.”

The Enhanced Replant Program supported approximately 200 projects in 2024 that saw roughly 2,000 acres of unproductive or damaged trees and vines removed and replaced, with the province stating it expected this round of the program to see similar figures.

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“Our tree fruit, wine and berry growers do more than produce delicious food. They sustain communities and help drive our local and provincial economies,” Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby and parliamentary secretary for agriculture, stated.

“This support helps them to bounce back from climate impacts and ensures British Columbians can keep enjoying the fresh, local fruit and wine that make our province unique.”

The Enhanced Replant Program was being administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. Fruit, wine and berry growers interested in the program can find more information and apply through the agency’s website.

“This program reflects our shared commitment to ensuring the future strength of B.C.’s perennial fruit industry,” Jack DeWit, chair of the Investment Agricultural Foundation of B.C., said.

“By helping growers replant with the right varieties for changing conditions, we’re building resilience and setting the stage for a thriving sector for years to come.”

The province added that the Enhanced Replant Program is a five-year initiative with a goal of helping growers adapt to shifting markets by supporting the replanting of approximately 8,900 acres of perennial fruit plants over that period.