SIR Partners
The SIR Program is a community effort that
involves all levels of government, the tree fruit
industry, fruit growers, and residential tree owners.
Participating Regional Districts
The SIR Program is a service of four
participating regional districts: Okanagan Similkameen
(RDOS), Central Okanagan (RDCO), North Okanagan (RDNO),
and the Columbia Shuswap (CSRD).
Through their SIR establishment
bylaws, the regional districts define the
Program's structure and activities. The
regional districts also advocate on behalf of the
Program and facilitate the collection of parcel and
property value taxes.
Growers
Growers are responsible for developing sustainable pest
management plans for their orchards - plans that
integrate sterile insect release with other measures, as
required. Growers cooperate with Program
staff in insect monitoring and release efforts, and
report moth infestations and the presence of unmanaged
host trees. Growers support the Program
through parcel tax payments.
Residential Host Tree Owners
Residential property owners with host trees are
responsible for preventing the proliferation and spread
of pests, including codling moths. Owners must
also allow access to their property by Program
staff and comply with codling moth control orders.
Fruit Handlers
Packinghouses and other fruit handlers assist growers in
understanding codling moth biology, and methods
(including sterile insect release) to deal with the
insect. Fruit handlers are responsible for
sanitizing fruit bins and containers.
Fruit Tree Retailers
Retailers may support the Program by
volunteering to participate in a sterile insect release
Host Tree Registry. They advise buyers of the need
to prevent infestation, and on the methods of
prevention.
Senior Government Scientists
Entomologists with both the federal and provincial
governments provide technical advice on the rearing and
release of sterile insects, as well on future directions
for the Program.
The ongoing success of the SIR
Program is dependant on the support of all
partners.
