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Okanagan Edition
Regional Newsletter
January 2025
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2025! We have several January online learning opportunities to highlight and some big funding programs opening for applications soon.
The January newsletter includes:
Upcoming winter events
- Understanding soil test reports webinar for vegetables and grains (online)
- Lab to Land: Water and Soil Research (online)
- Food Business Planning workshops (online)
- Southern Interior Horticulture Show (in-person)
Programs and Funding Opportunities
- Environmental Farm Plan Beneficial Management Practices Program Updates
- Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program
- Support for Farmland Lease Agreements
- Buy BC Partnership Funding
Resources
- Updated Trickle Irrigation Manual
- Snow Reports
- Stewarding Agricultural Watercourses project
- New BC Food Web Research Brief - Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Save the Date!
Online Soil Health Webinar Series:
All webinars will take place 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (PST):
- February 24 - The Impacts of Soil Compaction on Soil Health
- February 26 - Managing Forage Stands for Soil Health and Productivity
- February 28 - Managing Vegetation for Snow Capture
Contact Catherine Tarasoff catherine@agrowest.ca for more information
Virtual Workshop
Understanding Your Soil Test Report
To register, please visit:
Lab to Land
Join us online to connect with researchers, farmers, agrologists, and policymakers from across the province. Grow your network and participate in thought-provoking discussions on adapting to climate change challenges at both farm and landscape scales. This multi-day workshop offers presentations, panels, and networking sessions exploring projects and research that are advancing agricultural resilience:
- January 15: Explore collaborative approaches to drought resilience across the province. Featured projects address adaptation from the farm to watershed level and include research from on-farm management to Indigenous co-governance.
- January 16: Dive into research investigating how soil supports ecological and community resilience. Discuss farmer-led research to evaluate soil management practices and learn about collaborative soil stewardship integrating Western scientific and Indigenous methodologies.
Thanks to funding by the BC Ministry of Agriculture & Food and CleanBC the workshop is available at no cost, registration is required.
🗓️📌This virtual workshop is on Jan 15 & 16, 2025, from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm PST. Registration opens early December. Stay tuned by following @BCFoodWeb on their website www.bcacarn.ca and social media platforms: Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
More details and registration: labtolandbc.eventbrite.ca
Food Business Planning Workshop
We invite you to join us for our free Food Business Planning Workshop, designed to help food processors learn, develop, and strategically expand their businesses.
This 2 day workshop focuses on:
- Identifying key challenges that hinder growth
- Enhancing the ability to scale through improved business management skills
- Adopting effective management practices and creating a business plan
You will gain access to planning support systems like This Commerce Life and BC Food and Beverage and connect with fellow food and beverage entrepreneurs who have successfully advanced their growth strategies, acquiring valuable expertise to help you compete in your target
markets.
We aim to improve access to business planning resources and foster collaboration across different regions.
- Burnaby, January 15-16, 2025
- Victoria, January 20-21, 2025
- Vancouver & Gulf Islands (Virtual), January 22-23, 2025
The Southern Interior Horticultural Show is a B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food delivered project organized in partnership with the tree fruit and grape industries. This show offers producers a unique opportunity to get the latest information on research, innovation and farming practices directly from industry experts.
This two-day event will cover a variety of important horticultural topics through extensive speaker sessions, evening networking event and an impressive tradeshow where exhibitors will showcase their products and services supporting the tree fruit and grape industries in B.C.
Nutrient Management Plan
Training in Vernon
Nutrient management plans (NMPs) are used to help farmers efficiently meet their production objectives and protect the environment. The training program will provide trainees with the expertise to use planning tools and produce NMPs as a service to farmers or for their own farm. Course content focuses on how to build a plan that meets objectives laid out in the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management. Visit the nutrient management plan training website to learn more.
Join us in Vernon for a 2-day accelerated in-person training session from March 4th and 5th to expedite your completion of the NMP course.
This 2-day accelerated in-person training session is FREE. However, participants must be enrolled in the Open School BC Nutrient Management Plan course. Course enrollment is $100.
To attend this 2-day in-person training, you must have completed the self-paced online portion (Step 1) of the course.
For further inquiries, please reach out to Ahmed Lasisi at ahmed.lasisi@gov.bc.ca.
Lunch, coffee, and snacks will be provided at the training.
Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project - Events Calendar
The Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project (CCLSP) was launched in 2023 as a pilot forum for the tree fruit and wine grape industries to work together on common challenges and opportunities. The CCLSP maintains a collaborative tree fruit and wine grape calendar which is designed to streamline industry events, help prevent scheduling conflicts and broaden outreach. To view the live calendar or submit events, visit: https://crosscommodity.org/events/
EFP & BMP Program Updates
EFP Expiry Grace Period: A 6-month grace period is available for expired EFPs if renewal delays are beyond the applicant’s control. Please confirm eligibility with IAF.
Farm Cap: A farm cap of $100,000 applies, superseded only by a $200,000 cap for Water Infrastructure (WI) projects.
BMP applications that open this January
- Planning, Technical Assessments & Engineered Designs: January 14 open for ongoing submissions
- Water Infrastructure: January 14 applications open for editing, submissions can be made starting February 10
New Book a Call Option: After the application for a category opens and you have started a draft file on the IAF portal - you can now book a 10-minute consultation with an IAF staff member. Draft application and ID (e.g., BMP-202425-0####) are required.
Don't have an EFP?
The EFP Program is a no-cost program providing BC farmers and ranchers the opportunity to identify climate risks on their farms. Through this program, you will identify on-farm environmental and climate risks in your operations and learn how these risks can be mitigated, with funding support available through the BMP program.
Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program
The Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program invites eligible businesses to apply for a cost-shared funding opportunity that aims to increase farm-level resilience and preparedness to extreme weather events that threaten the competitiveness of British Columbia’s tree fruit sector. The program will provide 80 percent cost-share funding for eligible projects up to a maximum of $100,000 per farm business.
- Applications will be accepted starting on Thursday January 30, 2025, until funds are fully committed
- Attend our webinar on January 27th from 12-1pm to learn more about the program and how to apply (pre-registration not required).
- Projects may include protection from extreme cold, heat, and hail for commercial orchards.
- Application and eligibility details are available on the program website:
BC Agriculture and Food
Export Funding Program
BC Agriculture and Food Export Funding Program Intake Opened January 6
BCAFE helps B.C. businesses expand and sustain their export markets. It offers cost-shared funding for market development outside B.C. Funding for this program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Application Dates: January 6–February 3, 2025.
Find out more by visiting bcagricultureandfoodexportprogram.ca.
Buy BC Partnership Program 2025
Save the Date – Buy BC Partnership Program 2025 Intake
Cost shared funding is available for B.C. producers, processors, and industry associations to support local marketing activities that increase consumer awareness and sales of B.C. agriculture, food, and beverage products.
The next application intake for Buy BC Partnership Program funding opened January 6, 2025 to January 27, 2025.
Funding is available under two streams:
- Stream 1: For producers and processors, Buy BC projects are anticipated to start in April 2025 and be completed by September 2025.
- Stream 2: For industry associations, boards, and councils, Buy BC projects are anticipated to start in April 2025 and be completed by March 2026.
Apply for a Buy BC logo license or find out more about Buy BC.
Young Agrarians
Looking to write a business plan for the farm of your dreams?
Join Young Agrarians on Wednesday evenings from January 15 - March 26, 2025, for their Business Bootcamp for New Farmers!
This online, community-based program is open to all new and aspiring farmers looking to write (or rewrite) a business plan for a farm enterprise. It is a great place to explore the viability of your farm dream, figure out your first growing season, or explore adding another enterprise to your current farm.
Young Agrarians has carefully selected an exceptional team of first-generation farmers and business experts to help you get your farm off the ground. During this course, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Write a farm business plan, including creating a financial and marketing strategy
- Gain insights from experts on your farm business
- Get to know others in farm start-up
- Explore ideas and inspiration from your peers
Get set up to access capital
Learn more and register here:
youngagrarians.org/courses/business-bootcamp-for-new-farmers/
Not sure if the Business Bootcamp is right for you?
Reach out to Chantelle at elearning@youngagararians.org
Free support for farmland
lease agreements
Young Agrarians offers free lease agreement support for folks currently leasing farmland. This is sometimes an overlooked part of the land matching program.
Young Agrarians can help you protect your farmland or farm business! Your agreement will also be reviewed by a lawyer, all at no cost to you! Reach out to Kiyomi Ito at kiyomi@youngagrarians.org for more information or to get started.
Business Risk Management Programs
B.C.'s agricultural producers face many business risks that are beyond their control (production losses, severe market volatility, extreme weather events or disasters); the Province’s suite of agricultural insurance and income stability programs can help you manage those risks.
UPCOMING PROGRAM DEADLINES:
- Late Participation for 2024 AgriStability until April 30, 2025
- AgriStability 2025 program year enrollment until April 30, 2025
- Production Insurance coverage for 2025:
- Silage corn and forage spring plantings – until April 30, 2025
- Grain and Oilseeds – until April 30, 2025
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program
Stream 3: Assessments, Engineering Studies or Plans
Applications for Stream 3 of the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program are open!
Are you a Producer, Improvement District, Local Government, Non-Profit, or Community Group looking to complete an assessment, engineering study or plan before starting a water infrastructure project? You could be eligible for cost-shared funding!
Applications are open until funding is committed.
Shuswap Watershed Council - Water Quality Grant Program
Intake period is December 1st 2024 - January 31st 2025.
Find the application and program details here: http://www.shuswapwater.ca
Other Programs
Links to some other programs from other agencies that may be of interest that are open for applications:
- Advance Payments Program
The Advance Payments Program is a federal loan guarantee program which provides agricultural producers with easy access to low-cost cash advances.
Under the program, you can access up to $1,000,000 in total advances based on the value of the eligible agricultural products you will produce or that you have in storage. The Government of Canada pays the interest on the first $100,000 of your advance (the first $250,000 for 2024). You make repayments to the advance as you sell the agricultural products, with up to 18 months to fully repay the advance for most commodities (up to 24 months for cattle and bison).
For more information visit: Advance Payments Program
- Agriculture Clean Technology Program: Research and Innovation Stream https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agricultural-clean-technology-research-innovation-stream
AgriInvest is a self-managed producer-government savings account designed to help you manage small income declines and make investments to manage risk and improve market income.
Each year, you can deposit up to 100% of your Allowable Net Sales to your AgriInvest account and receive a matching government contribution on 1% of your Allowable Net Sales.
Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Land (SARPAL) Applications Are Open
The SARPAL Program is open for applications!
Call the BC Cattlemen's Association office - 1-877-668-2333
or email: sarpal@cattlemen.bc.ca
Looking for information
on Snow Conditions?
Please see the Current Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletins for 2025
Updated Trickle Irrigation Manual
Now available for free online! This represents a significant modernization of an important resource that was previously only available in hard copy through the Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC).
The manual provides comprehensive guidance on trickle irrigation system design and operation for British Columbia conditions, covering everything from system flow requirements to specialized applications for greenhouses and landscapes.
Minerals and Livestock Nutrition
Mineral nutrition for livestock is a critical part of their diet, affecting health, fertility, production and your bottom line. Supplementation requirements can vary greatly depending on feed types, animal requirements and your operation’s location. Mineral levels influence reproduction and performance / growth, immunity and disease resistance.
This article walks you through considerations of how to choose the appropriate mineral for your situation, how to feed it appropriately and how to start to troubleshoot a suspected mineral problem. You can access the full article here:
The Stewarding Agricultural Watercourses (SAW) Action Plan Publication
The Stewarding Agricultural Watercourses (SAW) project, initiated in 2021, seeks to enable and encourage improved stewardship of agricultural waterways on private land in British Columbia. Phase 1 of the project consisted of engagement with producers, government staff, environmental professionals, and NGO's to gain an understanding of the stewardship barriers facing producers with agricultural watercourses and then develop a plan to address these challenges.
The culmination of the first phase is the Stewarding Agriculture Watercourses Action Plan which is now publicly available. Phase 2 is now underway seeking to implement actions identified in the plan. To read the Action Plan and learn more about the project visit the website.
Exciting updates from the
Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP)
A total of 49 knowledge development and hands on-learning events were approved through the 2024 intake, which closed on December 13th, representing a funding commitment of over $210,000 to the agriculture and food sector. Many events have already been delivered and more are expected to wrap up by Spring 2025!
Here are a few examples of completed events that were supported by the program:
- Field Days, organized by the BC Hazelnuts growers Association: Farmers gathered twice in 2024 to explore innovative hazelnut farming practices. The first field day in Black Creek, B.C., included hands-on workshops on soil health, orchard tours showcasing organic practices, and expert insights on becoming Certified Organic. During the second field day in Chilliwack B.C., attendees toured various orchards and learned about soil nutrient management and opportunities for hazelnut value-added products.
- Conference, organized by the Wine Island Growers Association (WIGA): In April 2024, expert Nikki Callaway joined the WIGA Viticulture and Oenology Conference to present on small-lot Pinot Noir production. Topics included the vinification of Pinot Noir under various conditions of terroir and climate, the diversification of multiple styles of Pinot Noir, and the maintenance, conservation, and promotion of varietal typicity.
- Hands-on Workshop, organized by the Kootenay Milk Producers Association: Instructors from the Western Canadian Certified Hoof Trimmers Association delivered a two-day workshop for dairy producers. This course taught participants how to provide a higher level of animal care and increase their technical skills.
Stay connected with AgriServiceBC for announcements from the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program and future program intakes.
Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza Outbreak
British Columbia is currently experiencing a serious Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak. As the virus arrives with migratory birds, poultry owners should be implementing high biosecurity measures to protect their flock.
For more information, please visit:
Current disease alerts and events
Avian influenza - Province of British Columbia
Status of ongoing avian influenza response by province
New Research Brief
from BC Food Web!
Recent field trials across 20 organic vegetable farms in southwest BC found that using compost to meet crop P needs, paired with a high-N organic fertilizer to meet N needs, can work well on farms with moderate to high soil P. However, the best approach depends on farm context like compost and fertilizer cost, and soil P and organic matter levels.
Read the research summary here: bcfoodweb.ca/briefs/balancing-nitrogen-and-phosphorus-vegetable-farms-southwest-bc
Cyber Security and Farming
It's crucial that farmers protect their farming enterprises against cyber incidents as they embrace technology in all areas of operations, including email, text, online banking, and smart farming tools. Without robust safeguards, cyber threats can disrupt operations, impact profits and damage the trust built with customers. Staying ahead of these cyber risks will help farmers thrive in the digital age.
Visit the website to learn more:
Cyber security and your farming business - agriculture.canada.ca
Follow the link below, follow, like and share!
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