Times-Chronicle Staff
A lack of cherry pickers this summer has prompted growers to make a desperate plea for help.
Cherry farms in the Okanagan are worried they may have to abandon some crops due to a lack of workers, according to the BC Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA).
The worker shortage is the result of COVID-19 impacts on international travel and the growth in the cherry volumes this season.
As a result, the tree fruit industry is asking local workers to consider helping with the harvest and earn some money.
Cherry producers have reported to the BCFGA that they are very concerned about the labour shortage this early in the season, before the peak volume is reached in mid-July.
Workers are needed in the South Okanagan now.
Tree fruit harvesting compensation is typically by piece rate. Workers with good hand-eye coordination (and the ability to carry out physical work) can earn significantly more than minimum wage.
“The harvest work is physical and rewarding,” said Pinder Dhaliwal, president of the BCFGA. “Practically, the work requires the ability to go up and down ladders and to lift weights of up to 30 pounds.”
Dhaliwal said harvest work often starts early in the day to avoid the intense heat of the day.
Glen Lucas, general manager of the BCFGA, said staff can provide on-farm orientation to fruit harvesters before the work starts.
“Our BCFGA staff also provide information to ensure workers are aware of and following COVID-19 safety protocols.”
To find jobs, interested workers may call the BCFGA’s Labour Manager Ron Forrest at 778-363-3620, or BCFGA’s Summer Safety Specialist Solana Wyatt at 250-869-9083.
