According to the Census of Agriculture statistics, total farm capital value from 1,017 farms reporting in 2006 was estimated at $1.41 billion with sales receipts totalling $86.2 million. The bench lands within and surrounding the City of Kelowna and extending to Peachland, yield the vast proportion of apples and pears grown in the province, as well as smaller quantities of grapes, cherries, prunes, plums, peaches, apricots and vegetables.
The nature of agricultural land use in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan is undergoing a major shift. For example, more and more farmers are growing and delivering their products directly to their customers rather than the traditional method of delivering to wholesale buyers and being paid by the packinghouse. In addition, as more residential and commercial development takes place near agricultural land, traditional primary production operations are giving way to innovative uses of land that also attract tourists. The concept of direct farm marketing – selling the farm experience – is increasingly done by adding on-site restaurants and gift stores featuring locally-made products, antique farm museums, orchard tours and animal displays.
Farmland used for grape production in 2006 had increased by 222 hectares since 2001, which underlines the continuing growing importance and success of grape growing, and the wine industry, in the Okanagan.
Agricultural and Wine Sector
Agriculture
