The application intake period for the Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture Program is now open, supporting up to $1.5 million in projects this year. As outlined on the Government of BC website, this provincial program provides eligible farm or ranch operations with a cost-share funding opportunity that aims to increase farm-level climate resilience to extreme weather events.
Applications for the pilot program can be submitted through one of three streams:
As noted in the Government of BC press release, examples of projects eligible for funding include:
- FireSmart Critical Infrastructure assessments;
- farm building retrofits for wildfire preparedness;
- improved on-farm fuel storage and well protection for flood preparedness;
- reconfiguration of high-value feed storage for flood preparedness;
- farm building retrofits to improve cooling during extreme heat;
- enhanced watering and shade to mitigate crop and livestock heat stress; and
- infrastructure improvements to support tree and berry canopy cooling as well as shade and heat protection for harvested fruit, berry or vegetable crops.
Applications are being accepted from eligible farms or ranches until 4 p.m. PST on Monday, August 15, or until funds are dispersed, whichever occurs first. Funding will occur on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is anticipated to continue in 2023 and 2024, with adjustments being made based on the 2022 pilot year.
Visit the Government of BC website for full details and to apply.
