Some B.C. grape growers are questioning why the provincial government continues to allow wineries to import out-of-province fruit while their crops wither on the vine. But others say Victoria needs to help the industry recover despite a surprisingly large crop this year.

The debate, which has the B.C. wine industry in a tizzy, highlights the uncertainty that increasingly accompanies agriculture in B.C. and the limits of government support.

The province first announced an exemption to allow B.C. wineries to import some fruit from outside the province after a cold snap in early 2024 wiped out that year’s harvest, as well as thousands of vines. The move helped stave off bankruptcy for many wineries, which would have had no product to sell otherwise, said Michael Bartier, general manager of

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