Fruit Growers & Wineries

Safeguarding Canada’s Grape, Tree Fruit and Wine Industry

Despite the short growing season, Canada’s over 3,000 fruit farms produce almost one million metric tons of high-quality produce, generating billions of dollars every year. The total economic contribution of Canada’s wine industry alone is over $11 billion annually.

However, these industries are at risk of significant losses due to invasive plant pathogens and insects, such as the brown marmorated stink bug and the Japanese beetle. Spotted lanternfly, although not yet established in Canada, has the potential to devastate Canada’s grape and wine industry. These pests and diseases damage crops, reduce yields, and increase costs for growers, jeopardizing food security and profitability.

How Invasive Species Affect Fruit Growers and the Economy

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug on a leaf

© marcthibault via iNaturalist.org, used under CC BY 4.0.

Crop Damage

The Spotted Lanternfly feeds on fruit trees and grapevines in large swarms, leaving plants weakened, vulnerable to further damage and in some species, mortally damaged. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) has a wide range of plant hosts including tree fruit, berries, grapes, vegetables and ornamental shrubs. BMSB damages host fruit by piercing the skin, causing bruising and necrosis making produce unviable for sale.

Plum Pox Virus on a leaf

© abv7 via iNaturalist.org, used under CC BY 4.0.

Spread of Plant Diseases

Plant diseases can be transmitted between plants through insects, roots and farming practices like grafting. Invasive pathogens like plum pox virus infect stone fruits like peaches, plums, nectarines and almonds, leading to significant crop losses and in some cases plant death.

Grapes on a vine

Economic Costs

Invasive insects and pathogens cost Canadian farmers millions of dollars each year in pest management and through lower yields, reducing profits for growers. This has a ripple effect across the food supply chain, potentially raising prices for consumers and impacting export markets.

Best Practices for Fruit Growers

Monitor Crops for Signs of Infestation

Learn how to identify invasive species in your area and regularly inspect fruit and vegetable crops for early signs of pests or diseases. Detecting infestations early is your best chance to protect your crops.

Spotteed Lanternfly on leaf

Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Use a combination of mechanical, biological, cultural, and chemical controls to manage invasive pests effectively while minimizing environmental impact.

Person examining a plant

Avoid Moving Invasive Species

Do not transport plants, soil, or equipment from infested areas without thorough cleaning to prevent the spreading of invasive pests.

Tractor with a winery in the background

SPOT IT? SNAP IT, CATCH IT, REPORT IT

Learn how to identify spotted lanternflies and their egg masses. If you find any while monitoring your crops take a photo, note the location, scrape it into a sealed container and report it to Canada Food Inspection Agency or your local invasive species council.

Spotted Lanternfly eggs

Collaborate with Local Agencies and Industry Groups

Work with agricultural organizations and invasive species councils to stay informed about emerging threats and best practices.

Take Action Today

Protecting Canada’s fruit and wine industries from invasive species is essential to ensuring a sustainable food supply. Inspect crops regularly, adopt pest management strategies, and report sightings of invasive species to help keep food on the table for Canadians.