The goal of the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program (SIR) is to control codling moth to the point where no control interventions are required in commercial orchards and their surrounding areas in the participating fruit growing regions of the Okanagan, Similkameen, Creston and Shuswap Valleys.

SIR is a highly successful area-wide community initiative that applies nature-friendly technology to the control of codling moth, the BC tree fruit industries most damaging and costly pest. Prior to SIR, azinphos-methyl, a highly toxic organophosphate spray was the primary method used to manage the codling moth. It has been necessary for some growers to spray up to five applications of this product per year. This is an ongoing health concern, especially to growers who work on trees directly in the sprayed areas.

Health and environmental concerns are becoming more public and widespread as urban development and housing continues to encroach on agricultural land. SIR is responding very effectively to those concerns, and as awareness of the Program spreads, so does the support and cooperation of backyard growers and the general public.

Area-wide management of the codling moth provides a modern, environmentally sensitive solution to a major problem that hinders the success of our tree fruit industry - an industry that employs 5000 British Columbians and generates $700 million in annual economic activity. A successful SIR Program will substantially reduce the amount of toxic pesticides currently used to control codling moth and that means a more competitive fruit industry and healthier local environment for everyone.