In response to significant grape losses, British Columbia wineries will be permitted to use grapes and grape juice from outside the province for the 2024 vintage. This temporary measure aims to safeguard jobs within the wine industry and ensure the availability of B.C.-produced wines, the government said.
Extreme weather events have led to devastating losses for B.C. wine growers, creating financial uncertainty and threatening thousands of jobs.
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, emphasized the importance of the wine sector to the provincial economy and the urgent need for support.
“B.C. wine growers and wineries are an integral part of the province’s economy, and this year they have been hit by devastating losses due to extreme weather events,” Farnworth said. “By extending this support, we are providing badly needed help for our wineries during this challenging period. This relief for the 2024 vintage is essential to protect jobs and maintain the cultural and economic vitality this sector brings to our communities.”
Deep freeze, climate issues
The January 2024 deep freeze, along with other climate-related disasters, has led to severe damage to grapevines and significant crop loss. Without intervention, many wineries face substantial financial losses and the potential for widespread job cuts, including the loss of skilled winemakers and cellar masters.
The temporary measure will allow B.C. wineries to address the costs associated with importing grapes and grape juice, enabling them to plan for the 2024 vintage and retain jobs.
Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, highlighted the government’s commitment to the long-term sustainability of the wine industry.
“Our government is committed to supporting the long-term sustainability and strength of B.C.’s world-class wine industry,” Russell stated. “We know what a difficult time it has been. These supports for the sector will help give our wineries the certainty to plan for this year’s wine production and continue delivering the enormous value they contribute to B.C.’s economy.”
Measures in place through 2026
The support measures will take effect on April 1, 2025, and remain in place until March 31, 2026. Detailed information on eligibility and requirements will be provided to the industry in fall 2024.
Miles Prodan, president and CEO of Wine Growers British Columbia, expressed gratitude for the timely support.
“Just over 100 days ago, we received the final report that confirmed last winter’s freeze event decimated the potential of this fall’s vintage and threatened the viability of not just the B.C. wine industry, but also regional tourism, hospitality, and accommodation sectors that are so critical to our economy. We’d like to thank the Premier, Minister Farnworth, and our local MLAs for responding so quickly with today’s announcement and giving B.C. wine growers the confidence to plan for the day when they can return to 100% BC VQA wines and the assurance that this critical industry will continue for years to come.”
Paul Sawler, board chair of Wine Growers British Columbia, also welcomed the announcement.
“This is welcome news for the B.C. wine industry,” Sawler said. “The B.C. wine industry’s economic impact extends well beyond our cellar doors, impacting construction, education, hospitality, and tourism. This regulatory change expands the options for B.C.’s wineries, most of which are small, family-owned operations, to survive the impacts of these past few years and ensure living-wage jobs and the future economic vitality for our rural communities.”
The wine industry in B.C. generates approximately $3.75 billion annually and employs over 14,000 full-time workers. With around 350 licensed grape wine wineries in the province, the sector plays a vital role in the economy, including tourism, which attracts nearly 1.2 million visitors each year.