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  Finding Farm Grants in British Columbia, and Tips for Applying

  Jan 5, 2023

  With the ongoing rise of construction costs in British Columbia, it is not uncommon for aspiring farms to feel a bit intimidated by the sheer capital required to develop and maintain agricultural infrastructure. Farmers with meticulously crafted business plans and years of expertise can still feel unnerved by the utter cost in seeing their dream farm brought to reality. But while agricultural costs are unavoidable, some farmers may not know they are eligible for grants and funding from various organizations across BC and Canada. And the purpose of this post is to elaborate on just that - grants, funding, where to find them, and how to better your chances of being approved.

  It is my hope I can ease some nerves and instill some optimism in seeing dream farms come to fruition. If there is one thing to take away from this article, it is that there are grants available to develop farms, and with a little leg work and creativity, farmers can qualify for these grants.  

   

  Finding Grants

   

  A number of organizations are listed at the end of this article, but a quick introduction is brought about by browsing Agpal, the Canadian Governments Business Benefits Finder, or the BC Government’s funding and grant search tool. Many grants available, each with their own eligibility criteria. Covering the vast array of grants, loans, funding, and tax credits from various organizations would require a novel. But in short, there are many funding opportunities to cover farming practices that demonstrate ecological restoration and protection, innovative or clean agricultural technology or practices, water management, hiring of young people and students, and much more. These can range from equipment or infrastructure upgrades, to cash advances on the value of agricultural products.

   

  Becoming Eligible

   

  While it can seem difficult for some to envision what their farm has to offer towards these initiatives, a bit of creativity and flexibility goes a long way towards understanding what you can offer. Consider partnering with Universities or other organizations, such as non-profits, to assist in demonstrating innovative practices and technologies, or hiring students for a co-op. Plan your farm to prioritize ecological regeneration through cover cropping, rotational grazing, and nitrogen management. Regenerate riparian zones, fencing them off from livestock and planting native species.

  The key is flexibility and creativity. Have in mind what you want, but take a browse through the resources at the end of this article and adapt your wants to what is available and achievable. Creativity and careful wording can go a long way in crafting your application and meeting your specific wants. For example, a fenced in lane way that wraps a properties perimeter and serves as a trail for horseback riding or quading, can double as partitioned pastures for rotational grazing if a few cross sectional gates are installed. Mentally portion your farm development plan into smaller chunks, with each individual chunk being possibly eligible for its own unique grant. 

   

  Preparation

   

  Many grants have a narrow application window. Furthermore, many grants may not come available until the spring or summer during the busy farming season. It’s highly advisable to plan ahead to develop your project's timing, needs, and costs to save time when applications become available.  Each grant is unique, so make sure you read the eligibility criteria carefully before crafting your application. Cost sharing grants, which can cover 30-70% of projects, will typically require that you can demonstrate your ability to cover the remaining costs of the project. If unsure, grant coordinators are available to chat and happy to help in your understanding of the application process. Connect with them ahead of time to ensure eligibility, funding availability, and sign up for email alerts for when grants become available. 

  While it’s ideal to tackle projects in the winter, grants likely will not cover projects done in the past. Consider working with suppliers and contractors to delay writing the final invoice until the grant has become available.

   

  Applications

   

  Read and reread the eligibility criteria. Each grant has a goal, so take the time to consider how your project aligns with this goal. Compile some key works for your application, such as ecological restoration, environmental protection, job creation, employment of young people and students, demonstration of innovative practices and technologies, or food security. 

  Gather letters of proof and supporting documents. Participate in the British Columbia Environmental Farm Plan Program and log your participation (upon completion of the Environmental Farm Plan Program, individuals can access funding through the Beneficial Management Practices Program). Participating in the Environmental Farm Plan Program will also give the opportunity to develop relationships with environmental agencies that can act as a reference for grant applications. Gather financial statements, consider creating a water management plan, as well as a business plan that aligns with the initiatives of organizations providing grants and funding. 

   Consider drafting up a one page description of your business that outlines what you have accomplished, where you intend to go, and how your goals align with those of organizations providing grants. Emphasize on the value your farm brings to the world, and the value a grant will bring to your farm. This draft will serve to strengthen your application, as well as organize your mind set in the preliminary stages of grant research and application. 

  Grant coordinators are happy to help and answer any questions. With your strategy in mind, preemptive planning with grant coordinators is a great opportunity to create a positive impression and emphasize that your goals are aligned with organizations providing funding.

   

  List of Grants

   

  While it may seem like a lot to digest at first, it really comes down to a bit of preliminary leg work to get farmers on route to accessing grants and funding. Sign up for email alerts, contact grant coordinators, adapt the timing and scope of projects to fit with the goals of grants, invest some time into supporting documents and partnerships, and draft up a farm purpose and business plan that aligns with the goals of organizations providing grants and funding.

  Environmental Farm Plan Program (EFPP)

  A BC provincial initiative to help farmers learn how to reduce their farm's environmental impact. Participation in the program is confidential, free and starts with an on-farm consultation with a trained advisor that helps you complete an agri-environmental risk assessment. The program is a great, and free way to generate documentation and proof to strengthen eligibility for grant applications. Having completed the EFPP, agricultural producers with tax, “farm status” can apply for grant funding through the Beneficial Management Practices Program

  Investment Agriculture Foundation

  IAF provides a whole host of agricultural grant programs. One program provided by IAF, is the  Farm Land Advantage  program that focuses on research and development projects that works with farmers to conserve and enhance critical and natural values in BC. 

  Canadian Agricultural Partnership (British Columbia)

  A five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agrifood sector. Funds many programs, such as the Climate Change Adaption Program, the Agri-Science Program, the Agricultural Clean Technology Program,  and Agricultural Climate Solutions.

  Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

  Assist individuals in finding support and funding to innovate, be more competitive, adopt clean technologies, expand sustainable practices, manage business risk and develop market opportunities

  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council

  A program that focuses on technological advancements in production and innovation. This organization works with a variety of universities, colleges, and businesses to attract opportunities for Canada’s thriving research community.

  Coastal Addendum to the Alberni Agriculture Plan

  Page 55 lists a number of grants and funding opportunities available through out British Columbia.

  ALUS

  ALUS’ main focus is on sustainable farming practices that enhance ecological regeneration. 

  Small Farm Business Acceleration Pilot Program

  A pilot program that supports cost-shared purchasing of commercial farm infrastructure and equipment to accelerate revenue growth of farm businesses.

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