Fall Harvest!
A harvest of a different sort...
Take in some of the opportunities below.
Covid-19 has brought challenges, but it has also stimulated funding opportunities and other avenues of producer support.
Which opportunities appeal to you?
Scroll down for more details on each.
* Food Processors - funding and education
* Small Farm Accelerator Program
* Emergency on-farm support
* Wanted to purchase - seeds, seedlings, and hay
* Bounce Back: Free Mental Health coaching, for everyone
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Also below:
True Armyworm Report
Final Report from the ACRD's System Change project
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Food Business Refresh Program
The Food Business Refresh program offers FREE customized training and coaching, and FUNDED implementation (up to $4000) to small-scale food processors.
This opportunity is unique in that users will receive guided, hands-on support, tailored to their company’s situation and objectives. They would work with a dedicated support team of food industry specialists to help them assess their situation, develop a plan, and get support to implement that plan.
Applications are being accepted until November 9th. Details and application information are on the website. https://www.foodbusinessrefresh.ca/
For the full program outline, click here.
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Small-Farm Business Accelerator Program
Unique pilot project for small farmers!
The Ministry of Agriculture is launching a pilot project to stimulate the growth of small farms.
The project will support business plan coaching AND offer cost-shared funding for infrastructure and equipment.
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Grant programs are rare for private businesses.
If you are a small farmer looking for one, this might be it!
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* The grant will open on December 7th.
* Applicants for cost-shared funding will REQUIRE an up-to-date business plan.
* Interested parties are STRONGLY encouraged to get their business plans in order. Funding is available via BC Agri-Business Planning Program
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Emergency On-Farm Support Fund
The program assists agricultural producers with some of the incremental costs for improving the health and safety of farm workers and limiting the spread of COVID-19 in agricultural operations.
The program will provide up to $100,000 per recipient in non-repayable, cost-shared funding. Applications must include at least $5,000 in total eligible costs to be considered for the program.
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The Garden Starter Pack Program is a go for spring 2021!
This is a joint initiative between Alberni Farmers' Institute, Alberni Food Hub, and the ACRD. It distributes container, in-ground, and potato growing 'starter packs' to households across the Alberni Valley.
We want to buy your seeds, seedlings, and spoiled hay to include in the distribution.
Please contact Carley for more information or to let us know what you have.
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Struggling? You are not alone.
Bounce Back is a Canadian Mental Health initiative that offers a variety of FREE mental health supports, including 1-1 coaching, online workbooks, and videos.
Have a look if you or someone you know might need a little extra support.
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System Change?
Read about the ACRD's 2019/2020 System Change project, and find out what may be in store for the future.
Expanding the Influence of Regional Agricultural Support, Final Report
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Stay well, and keep in touch.
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