Ontario farmers raise the alarm against bad apples' stealing produce from orchards | CBC News

"The number of thefts has been a real issue this year, says Paul Gray, owner of Dixie Orchards, a pick-your-own farm in Caledon, Ont. He says it's hard to make profits in farming, with some up and down years, and it gets even harder when visitors don't pay for their produce. It's just a small percentage of people that like to take advantage of the situation, keep a couple apples in their pockets, keep more apples in their bags, he said."

"Gray isn't the only one seeing a rise in theft. Farmers across the province have been reporting similar experiences, said Kevin Vallier, CEO of Agritourism Ontario, an advocacy group for Ontario farmers. Unfortunately there are a few bad apples spoiling it, he said. It's just these large volume thefts that are really hurting Ontario farmers. Vallier says spreading the message about produce theft will hopefully give our Ontario farmers a break."

"Profit margins for farmers aren't great to start with, says Vallier, which has forced some farms to increase admission or produce costs to recoup losses from thefts. There are some farms, they've had 500 pounds of apples stolen already this year. So it's significant, he said. He says the issue is not with people eating an apple or a few berries while at a farm, but that people are walking out with bags, strollers and wagons full of unpaid produce."

Pick-your-own farms in Ontario experienced an uptick in apple, corn and small pumpkin thefts this fall, with some farms losing large volumes of produce, including reports of 500 pounds of apples stolen. Profit margins are thin, and losses have led some farms to increase admission or produce prices to recoup theft-related costs. The thefts involve visitors leaving with bags, strollers and wagons full of unpaid produce rather than a few snacks. A small percentage of visitors take advantage of the situation by pocketing or bagging extra fruit. Some farms are reconsidering or ending pick-your-own offerings, and advocacy groups are urging public awareness to reduce theft.

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