B.C. fruit growers are lashing out at Greater Vernon Water for what they view as draconian water restrictions for the agricultural sector.
A number of communities are under Stage 3 water restrictions, including Vernon. Stage 3 restrictions mean a 70 per cent reduction in water use by the agricultural sector. Fruit growers are being hit with reduced water allocations due to restrictions in place around the province and, in some cases, farmers have already used their allotted water.
B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association president Deep Brar said his industry is on the brink of disaster and should not face such drastic water restrictions.
“We do appreciate that there is physically limited water right now in the Okanagan. However, we create food. Food security is supposed to be a hot topic, yet water is being cut off without consultation.”
Brar is pushing for the provincial government to offer some financial relief to the industry as well.
