Wildfires and falling ash are damaging fruit production in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, with orchardist and BC Fruit Growers' Association president Deep Brar reporting that peaches are rotting on trees. Drought conditions were already pressuring growers before the fires moved in, and pears were noted as the next crop at risk.
The Okanagan is a critical stone and tree fruit region for Western Canada and portions of the Pacific Northwest supply chain. This compounds an already difficult summer — wildfires had previously forced evacuations through BC's cherry country, and drought stress was a factor even before the smoke arrived.
Buyers sourcing BC peaches or pears this fall should watch for tighter availability and potential quality issues as the full extent of ash damage becomes clearer in the coming weeks.