B.C.'s fruit growers are expecting a great season given poor weather conditions in Ontario and warm temperatures here at home.
"When I look at the Ambrosia, the Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith. I've got some Goldens as well. Everything looks to be spot-on this year," said Joe Sardinha, who owns an orchard in the Okanagan.
Sardinha and his fellow farmers seem to be benefiting from the warm spring the Interior has had so far.
In other parts of the country, orchardists have not been so lucky. Back in Southern Ontario, unusually hot temperatures early in the year followed by later frosts have devastated plantations.
For B.C. this has created an advantageous environment on the market.
"It sets up a situation where we're looking at a very strong market potential," Sardinha said.
The big competition will be coming from the neighbouring state of Washington, which produces most of the apples in North America.
Growers, however, remain optimistic given the beautiful weather. "It will make our lives a little bit easier," said Hank Markgraf from the Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Kent Molgat
