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Support available for producers affected by drought, flood, and other emergencies!
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Survey on Essential and Priority Goods Movement
A joint federal/provincial Supply Chain Recovery Working Group is aiming to support supply chain restoration in BC. They are looking for industry expertise to identify essential or high-priority goods requiring support due to critical need.
Complete this survey to make your critical needs known. It's fast and easy, and it may help ensure important supply chains are prioritized.
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Click here for a list of organizations currently taking donations on their behalf.
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The Province of B.C. is prioritizing fuel for essential vehicles in areas impacted by flooding, including on Vancouver Island.
Under the order, agricultural and farm-use vehicles are considered essential, and are exempt from the current 30L limit for gasoline purchases.
For more info or to apply for certification for a private farm vehicle, please see the Province's website. |
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The 2021 Canada – British Columbia Wildfire and Drought Recovery Initiative provides to support to producers affected by the 2021 drought and wildfire season.
Producers can receive funding towards:
- Cost of extra feed if you had to purchase more than usual because of drought conditions;
- Pregnancy checks;
- Extraordinary costs to return herd to pre-drought numbers (for example, if you had to sell off stock because of feed limitations).
Please note: The application forms refer specifically to wildfire, but the program has confirmed that drought impacts and Vancouver Island producers are eligible.
Processing is quick, and they will contact you if they have questions about your application. They expect there is enough funding available to compensate all eligible applicants.
For more info, call Owen @ 1-888-332-3352 or email us at ACRDagriculture@gmail.com
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This program was recently closed, but will open again in April 2022 with even greater eligibility. A program coordinator also indicated that they are currently taking a wait list and may still be able to accommodate some producers immediately.
The program offers up to $5000 for producers to engage a business consultant to help them to develop an immediate or long-term recovery plan. The focus is flexible and could include:
- Financial recovery plans;
- Risk mitigation assessments;
- Value-added ventures;
- Human resources opportunities;
- Production analysis for new crops to pivot business or access new markets;
- or otherwise, as needed.
The consultants are experienced and knowledgeable about navigating the current system and opportunities available to producers. They aim to listen and support your needs, by asking the right questions and helping you to decide what to do next.
For more info, call Trish @ 1-250-356-2795 or email us at ACRDagriculture@gmail.com
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December 1st - 1pm:
Free Presentation about the requirement to apply for groundwater licensing before March 1, 2022.
Get help with your application!
Topics will include:
- Agriculture and Water
- Water Law
- Existing Use
- Info Required to Apply
- Tools to Aid with Application
- Dates to Remember
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The deadline to apply for groundwater licenses is March 1, 2022. If you were using groundwater on or before February 29, 2016 for non-domestic purposes such as irrigation and livestock watering, you are legally required to apply for a water licence by March 1, 2022.
Apply now to secure your historical water rights for your farm.
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There has been significant frustration and controversy expressed about these regulations and the applications process, and you may have had access to your water supply for decades.
However, if you do not register your license by March 1st 2022, as per Provincial regulation:
- You will be considered an 'illegal' user;
- You will have to apply as a new user;
- You will lose your 'first in line' right to priority use;
- In some areas (such as the Koksilah where agricultural consumption is already being limited), there may be no new applications for water licenses even considered;
- The amount of water on your license will remain what it is now;
- The review and scrutiny of your application, if made before the deadline, will likely be less than what it would be after.
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A series for new and emerging BC food and beverage brands looking to grow their business. The 2022 Sprout Series consists of seven 3-hour online workshops focused on preparing food and beverage processors to be ready to sell to retail, food service, and institutional food service market channels.
More info and details about application and the training is here.
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Pending Funding:
Seafood Processing Training course
Fully funded, including student supports.
February 14th-April 20, 2022
In partnership with North Island College and the Dock+
Interested in participating? Interesting in teaching or guest teaching?
Send us an email to stay informed or let us know.
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Agri-Tech 'Ramp-up' Program
Designed to enable entrepreneurs to move their ideas to commercial realities, this program provides training, coaching & mentoring, networking and funding.
"Two cohorts will be brought together in 2022 for intensive Market Validation Training; the first hosted in January 2022, followed by a Spring Cohort in April 2022.
A select group of successful organizations will receive ongoing Coaching, Mentoring and Networking in Phase Two of the Ramp-Up program.
Additionally, the top two scoring companies from each cohort will be awarded a grant up to $25,000 and could be offered a place in the SFU Agritech Sandbox Program.
Find out more here ...
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Stay well, and keep in touch.
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