relative economic importance of fruit growing has occurred but the impressive landscape still abounds with orchards. The most savvy growers no longer sell to the Naramata fruit-packing facility (part of the Okanagan Tree Fruit Co-operative), but rather sell privately, often preferring to deal with international brokers. Agriculture and tourism form the economic base of the village of Naramata. The agricultural sector once mostly consisting of orchards is rapidly being supplanted by vineyards and wineries that are collectively referred to as the "Naramata Bench". Tourism is served by motels, beach side resorts and a variety of bed and breakfast operations that cater to summertime visitors. Summer months see a spike in inhabitants and economic activity. A farmers market is held weekly and there are numerous roadside produce sellers in addition to the wineries, cideries and craft spirit producers. Since the 1960s and continuing to this day it has been a rite of passage for countless French-Canadian students to make their way across the country and pick fruit for a summer. Much of Naramata lies within the bounds of the Agricultural Land Reserve, created by the British Columbia government in the early 1970s as a food security measure and largely responsible for preserving the character and pace of Naramata which is seen by many as its biggest charm- after the breathtaking scenery. The Centre at Naramata, a conference and educational centre of The United Church of Canada, was founded in 1947. Climate Naramata has a semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk). See also Steamboats of Lake Okanagan References External links Naramata Centre Unincorporated settlements in British Columbia Populated places in the South Okanagan Designated places in British Columbia Populated places on Okanagan Lake Populated places in the Okanagan Country