Rows of ripe wine grapes at Okanagan Hills Winery are set for harvest, but owner Jesse Gill is not in a celebratory mood. A season marked by dense wildfire smoke spells disaster for most of the crop.
Gill expressed concerns over the widespread smoke taint affecting the fruit across the Okanagan Valley, leading to many growers having their agreements terminated by wineries they usually supply.
Amid challenges such as frost damage, drought, and wildfires in recent years, growers like Gill criticize the B.C. provincial government’s crop insurance program, which they deem inadequate for safeguarding farms and the industry.
The program’s assessment process, based on current field conditions, expected yields, and past production, is viewed as outdated by Gill due to the successive weather-related events caused by climate change.
Gill estimated that the smoke-tainted crop this year would have been valued at $600,000, but due to previous losses, he is insured for only $130,000, highlighting the limitations of the current insurance model in supporting farmers during crises.
Growers expressed frustration over a specific rule within the insurance policy that only covers harvested grapes, prohibiting alternative uses like animal feed or fertilizer, resulting in additional financial burdens for disposal.
In response to these challenges, efforts are being made to engage volunteers in grape harvesting activities to raise awareness about the viticulture industry and garner support from the community.
Despite the struggles faced by the industry, Gill emphasized the necessity for a revised insurance framework that can effectively address the evolving needs of growers in times of crisis.
CBC News attempted to obtain a statement from the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Food, but communication was restricted due to the ongoing election campaign. Gill remains hopeful that discussions with ministry officials and fellow producers will lead to a reassessment of the provincial insurance program to better serve the industry.
