By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

New B.C. government grants help small, new farmers in boosting food security

Dec 4, 2020 | 2:23 PM

VICTORIA, B.C. – New provincial grants from the BC Government are making it easier for get a farm operating and create more stable food security in the province.

The province announced Tuesday, Dec. 1, up to $800,000 in supports for small and new farmers looking to bolster their agricultural footprint.

Money will be available to small farms with revenue less than $60,000 over the last two years.

“Providing support to a new generation of people brave enough to start farming in today’s land market requires innovative programs that address the needs of new farmers, and I hope this investment will continue to grow in the coming years,” Sara Dent, co-founder of Young Agrarians, said in a statement.

Through the program, between 50 and 75 per cent of total approved project costs will be covered to a maximum of $17,500.

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The province will also connect farm operators with business plan coaching services and cost-shared funding for infrastructure and equipment.

“B.C.’s farmers and food producers have stepped up to the challenges of COVID-19, and we are working with them to put us on the path to a strong recovery,” Lana Popham, minister of agriculture, said.

The province also earmarked $90,000 in funding for a new raspberry replant program designed to cultivate more crops of the berries suitable in B.C.’s climate.

In addition, another $800,000 is being set aside to further fund the Beneficial Management Practices Program, which focused on environmental protection in agriculture.

Money will be used to reduce emissions, improve land and water quality and achieve more efficient agriculture waste management.

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