As of July 13, agricultural properties that have reached their reduced seasonal water allocation have had their water supply cut off during the peak of the growing season. The BCFGA says Greater Vernon Water reduced agricultural allocations by 70% without a coordinated plan to support affected orchards and farms.

“No one is disputing that the drought is serious, and growers are not asking anyone to deliver water that does not exist,” said Deep Brar, president of the BCFGA. “What we are saying is that you cannot simply shut off the water to hundreds of farms and treat it as a routine restriction. When the decision you are making could kill orchards that took 20 years to grow, you have an obligation to coordinate that decision.”

According to the BCFGA, the water shut-offs affect more than 2,100 acres (about 850 hectares) of apple and cherry orchards in the Greater Vernon area. The association estimates widespread orchard losses could result in more than $250 million in direct losses and more than $300 million when production, packing, transport, labour, suppliers and related businesses are included.

The association says mitigation measures have progressed slowly. Vernon has a reclaimed water source that could supply irrigation to the Goose Lake and Bella Vista service areas, but provincial approvals are still required. Other options, including recommissioning existing water sources and supporting emergency wells, also remain unresolved.

The BCFGA is calling for an urgent meeting between growers, local authorities and provincial ministries to develop a timeline for mitigation measures and clarify future water availability.

The regional district says it has been seeking provincial approvals and has held meetings with growers. It is also encouraging water allocation transfers between agricultural properties where unused allocations are available.

Source: Fresh Plaza