B.C. funds safe fruit harvest

The British Columbia government has allotted $625,000 for a safe fruit harvest this year. The money is designed to help ensure safety in work camps so workers can adhere to COVID-19 protocols. This funding expands on the money invested last year.

Of that $625,000, $457,000 is being used to upgrade the work camp in Loose Bay near Oliver, $120,000 to support work camp rentals in Summerland, an isolation area and wash trailer, and septic, electrical and garbage services.

As well, $25,000 will go to the Regional District of Central Kootenay and the B.C. Fruit Growers Association so they can conduct outreach and safety training for farm owners in the Creston Valley to ensure they meet COVID-19 regulations in the work camp. The program has also allotted $50,000 to help farmers providing on-site camping to conduct temporary or permanent upgrades.

“Farm owners must contribute 30 percent of the project’s cost and are eligible for a maximum of $2,000 per farm,” said the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

According to a news release from the ministry, the money is to ensure work camps in Loose Bay and Summerland adhere to COVID-19 protocols.