Many pick-your-own farms and orchards in Ontario are facing a troubling issue this apple season – thefts on the rise.
Jessica Farmer, the owner of Maple Grove Orchards in Bowmanville, has witnessed a significant increase in thefts at her farm, which attracts around 2,000 visitors on weekends during peak apple season. Farmer expressed her concerns about the spike in thefts, emphasizing the financial impact on her business and the community.
Describing the audacious acts they have encountered, Farmer shared instances of visitors using reusable bags to fill up without paying and attempting to leave unnoticed with stolen apples. To address this issue, the orchard has implemented various measures such as fencing the property, introducing prepayment for bags, and hiring additional staff for monitoring.
The repercussions of these thefts go beyond lost revenue, as Farmer explained that unsold produce due to safety regulations further compounds the losses. Kevin Vallier, the CEO of Agritourism Ontario, highlighted the detrimental effects of such thefts on family-owned businesses that operate on thin profit margins.
The rise in thefts poses a threat to the sustainability of these farms and could potentially impact the economy, as agricultural tourism contributes billions of dollars. Vallier cautioned that increased thefts may lead to price hikes for consumers. Despite the challenges faced, Farmer remains committed to sharing her farm with the community and supporting young farmers, underscoring the importance of preserving agriculture heritage.