Get you up to speed: Okanagan growers say crop insurance isn’t keeping up with a changing climate
Extreme weather has impacted crops, rendering grapes unsellable. Specific incidents of heat, cold, drought, hail, or wildfire smoke were reported affecting agricultural output.
Investigators are currently assessing the impact of extreme weather events on agricultural yields and market viability for grape producers. The analysis aims to establish a clearer timeline of weather-related disruptions affecting crop health throughout the growing season.
Officials have warned that extreme weather conditions pose a significant threat to crop yields, particularly in the viticulture sector, which could impact market availability. Agricultural leaders are expected to implement new adaptive measures to mitigate the risks associated with these climate challenges in the upcoming growing season.
What remains unclear — It is not specified which specific weather event has the most significant impact on crop viability.
Okanagan growers report crop insurance fails to address climate change risks
The weather can bring extreme heat, cold, drought, hail or wildfire smoke, and any one of those can wipe out a crop or make grapes impossible to sell.