Wednesday October 22, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Funding through the Enhanced Replant Program is available to help growers adapt to climate change with orchard, vineyard renewal
B.C. berry, wine grape and tree fruit producers will receive more support to replant their farms, vineyards and orchards with climate-resilient fruit.
That effort is intended to increase regional food supply, grow the economy and ensure people in British Columbia continue to enjoy fresh, local fruit and wine.
“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,” said Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham in a news release yesterday.
“This support is helping producers replant their orchards and farms, providing jobs, revitalizing their businesses and strengthening the economy.”
Three goals:
Funding through the Enhanced Replant Program is available to help growers increase production, be more climate resilient and access new markets.
The Enhanced Replant program is a five-year initiative that supports B.C.’s fruit and wine sectors as producers adapt to shifting markets and growing conditions with a goal of replanting approximately 3,600 hectares (8,900 acres) of perennial fruit plants.
Program intake:
The program intake is expected to support the replanting of approximately 809.4 hectares (2,000 acres) with four streams opening to match their growing cycle this fall: berry replant, tree fruit replant, wine grape replant and berry removal.
Supporting food supply:
The support is helping growers replace low-producing vines, plants and trees with varieties that produce premium fruit that consumers demand.
The Enhanced Replant Program — delivered by Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) – helped approximately 200 projects in 2024, resulting in approximately 809.4 hectares (2,000 acres) of unproductive or damaged trees and vines being removed and replanted with new varieties.
How it works:
Plant removal and replanting cost can be a significant barrier to converting berry plantings to climate-adaptable, disease-resistant and higher-yielding varieties.
Maintaining berry industry competitiveness is a key goal.
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NEWS SECTIONS: AGRICULTURE & FOOD | FOOD SUPPLY