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Okanagan Edition
Regional Newsletter
March 2025
Welcome to the March 2025 newsletter! We have several March online and in-person learning opportunities to highlight and some big funding programs opening for applications soon.
The March newsletter includes:
Upcoming Spring Events
- The BC Poultry Health Network Workshops
- Silvopasture Webinars
- Farm Financial Fluency Training Webinars
- Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit
- Sprayer Calibration Training
Programs and Funding Opportunities
- Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program Guide
- Business Risk Management Programs
- Tree Fruit Climate Change Response Fund announced
- Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program is closed
Resources
- B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service
- NEW: Ambrosia apple pruning videos and Managing grape winter damage videos in English, Punjabi, and Spanish
- Disease surveillance in smallholder pigs, sheep, goats and poultry
Updated AgriService BC Website
The AgriService BC website has been updated with improved searchability and accessibility features, an events calendar, an educational videos page and more!
AgriService BC connects you to ministry programs, resources, education and events. Find tools and services to help your farm succeed in B.C.
The BC Poultry Health Network Workshops
The BC Poultry Health Network is excited to welcome poultry owners to our workshops this March 28, 29, and 30, 2025! At the end of the month, on March 28, 2025, we will be in Armstrong with a euthanasia training session, and on March 29, 2025, in Enderby, and on March 30, 2025, in West Kelowna, for a full day workshop on poultry health, management, and biosecurity workshop! More details can be found in the attached posters.
Please only register if you are planning to attend as space is limited. Details can be found at the link below or in the attached image file.
https://bcpoultryhealthnetwork.ca/coming-events/
This project was funded through the Farmed Animal Disease Program, which is funded by the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
Back by Popular Demand...
All webinars will be held via Zoom. No charge for registration. To register please visit the event landing page and follow the registration link. Register for any or all of the sessions in the series.
Upcoming Agriwebinars:
- AgriStability - March 12 @ 8:00 am PST
AgriInvest - March 19 @ 8:00 am PST
Join Farm Management Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for two free webinars focused on the AgriStability and AgriInvest programs!
Whether you can make one or both, these sessions will provide valuable insights on the AgriStability and AgriInvest programs, important changes coming for the 2025 program year, and how you may benefit from participating.
Session 1: Overview of AgriStability and Program Changes
Wednesday, March 12 at 8:00 am PST
Topics to be covered include:
- AgriStability overview
- Program deadlines
- Tax-aligned reference margins
- Coverage notices
- My AAFC Account online service
Session 2: Overview of AgriInvest and Program Changes
Wednesday, March 19 at 8:00 am PST
Topics to be covered include:
- AgriInvest overview
- Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment (AERA)
My AAFC Account online service
To register for one, or both webinars, visit:
https://fmc-gac.com/aafc-scap-agriwebinar
Train The Trainer:
Sprayer Calibration Course
The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Pearl Agricultural Consulting, Inc., invite you to join experts for a training course on sprayer calibration. Horticultural advisors, extension specialists, farm managers and industry professionals are invited to attend and re-familiarize themselves with various spraying equipment, calibration techniques, and learn methods for training farm staff or farm clients.
Funding for this training session has generously been through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
There will be both indoor classroom and outdoor field components- rain or shine- please dress appropriately. Meals will not be provided. Bring snacks and lunch for each day.
Space is limited--secure your spot by registering early!
Farm Financial Fluency
Training Webinars
- March 17, 18 and 20 for Grain/Oilseed Farmers
March 24, 25 and 27 for Beef Farmers
April 2025 – registration opening soon for Dairy Farmers
All Sessions will be hosted virtually from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm PST
Financial literacy is a fundamental starting point for effective farm business management, helping producers understand the direct impact of their business decisions, and opportunities available going forward. Through the Farm Financial Fluency training program, you will learn:
- Why financial reporting is important and to whom
- Key differences between types of financial reporting and who uses what
- Different farm business structures and their impact on financial reporting
- How to interpret your financial statements (balance sheet, income statement)
- Financial ratios and how to use them to analyze risk
- How to spot potential financial issues and opportunities
Tools and resources available to manage financial risk
The program will be delivered virtually over the course of three 2-hour sessions coupled with an optional follow-up session with a financial advisor for those seeking additional support.
The Training Program ends with a production-specific in-depth case study to put the concepts into practice. Participants will come away with a greater knowledge of financial management, greater confidence in making financial decisions, and how to use the tools and resources available.
Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit
Wednesday, March 26th
11:00 am - 1:00 pm PST
The FCC Young Farmer Summit is a free event bringing farmers under 40 together to explore the business side of farming – and have fun!
Learn from industry experts, connect with peers and get the knowledge you need to take your operation to the next level. Explore topics like business, financial and transition planning, economics and mental wellness to set yourself up for success.
2025 BC Organic Conference
Mark Your Calendars!
Organic BC is excited to announce our 2025 BC Organic Conference! We hope you can join us from Tuesday, November 25th - Thursday, November 27th in Harrison Hot Springs to reconnect, exchange ideas and learn from experts. More details will be released as they become available.
For now, you can learn more about our conference at organicbc.org/conference.
The 2025 Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program Guide is Here!
The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) provides funding to help organizations host activities and events that strengthen B.C.’s agriculture and food sector. The Program reimburses up to 75% of eligible costs for activities under two streams:
- Stream 1 (up to $1,500 per project) focuses on Knowledge Development activities, such as Inviting Subject Matter Experts to share their knowledge at various events.
- Stream 2 (up to $7,500 per project) emphasizes Skill Development of food producers and processors through hands-on activities.
To qualify, applications must show how the activities will transfer knowledge and/or build the skills of agriculture and seafood producers or processors with active operations in B.C.
Important Dates
The Program opens on March 19th, 2025, and stays open until funds are fully committed. Funding will be allocated on a first come, first served basis for all eligible completed applications. Activities must take place between April 16th, 2025, and March 1st, 2026.
How to Apply
- Review the 2025 Program Guide (link to website: Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program - Province of British Columbia)
- Get a BCeID – If you don’t have one, register for a Basic BCeID or Business BCeID at www.bceid.ca .
- Log In – Use your BCeID to access the online application form at: Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program - Province of British Columbia)
- Save your credentials – Keep your BCeID user ID and password safe, as you’ll need them to access your application and to submit your reimbursement claim.
- Submit your application – Complete and submit the form through the online portal.
- Use the same BCeID for claims – Reimbursement claims must be submitted using the same BCeID as the original application.
Visit the Program’s website and read the Program Guide for more details!
Funding for this Program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program
🌱 The 25/26 BMP Program is here 🌱 Don't miss your chance to apply.
The Biodiversity and Riparian Grazing BMP categories are opening soon!
The BMP Program is a cost-share incentive program designed to help farm and ranch operations address risks identified in their Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs).
Applications for the 25/26 BMP Program opened on January 14, 2025, beginning with Planning, Technical Assessments, Engineered Designs, and Water Infrastructure BMPs.
Note: The Water Infrastructure BMP category was closed early on February 12th due to overwhelming demand and limited program funds.
Important Dates and Details
Applicants are encouraged to begin drafting their applications as soon as the application window opens.
This preparation will ensure readiness for submission, including addressing questions, gathering details, and obtaining quotes. Submissions will be accepted between 9:00 am PST and 4:00 pm PST on the designated dates.
Intake Windows by BMP Category
- Planning, Technical
Assessments, or Engineered Designs BMP
- Applications open: January 14, 2025
- Submissions open: January 14, 2025 (Ongoing until funding is fully committed)
- Biodiversity and Riparian & Grazing BMPs
- Applications open: February 20, 2025
- Submission window: March 13, 2025 – March 20, 2025
- Soil Carbon, Energy & Fuel Efficiency, and Nutrient & Waste Management BMPs
- Applications open: March 4, 2025
- Submission window: March 25, 2025 – April 1, 2025
What’s New for 2025/26?
- "Book a Call" Feature
Starting on the application open date, applicants can book a phone consultation with IAF staff to discuss their BMP application. - EFP Expiry Grace Period
A 6-month grace period is available for EFP renewals in 2025/26 for delays due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control. - Return of the Farm Cap
A $100,000 farm cap applies to most categories, with an exception for Water Infrastructure, which has a $200,000 cap.
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted through the IAF Client Portal.
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis according to the schedule.
- Visit www.iafbc.ca/bmp/ to explore opportunities for your farm or ranch.
Subscribe to IAF’s program newsletter or Growing Today to stay informed about the BMP Program.
Don’t Miss Out!
The BMP Program is a multi-year funding opportunity with annual intakes. If you miss this intake, you can apply in the next round.
Prepare early, stay informed, and make the most of the BMP Program to benefit your farm or ranch operation!
The Next Application Intake for
the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is accepting applications for its third intake between March 17 and April 28, 2025.
The Program provides cost-shared funding to eligible participants to adopt new technologies on-farm to enhance profitability, productivity, and/or efficiency to help alleviate the impacts of labour shortages and rising operational costs. The program is competitive, and funding is not guaranteed.
B.C.-based farmers can apply, and successful recipients will be awarded up to $100,000 to fund projects to adopt innovative technology that can improve labour efficiency. Financial support is provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, a federal, provincial, and territorial initiative and the program is delivered by Innovate BC.
In case of questions, please contact Innovate BC: integratedmarkets@innovatebc.ca
Community Fund for Mental Health
Do More Ag has opened intake for the Community Fund for Mental Health Education from now until March 2, 5:00 pm CST. The Fund was created to provide agriculture communities across Canada with access to mental health education and literacy at NO COST.
Workshops include:
- Talk Ask Listen 4-hour interactive in person or virtual workshop, created by farmers for farmers.
- In Person Mental Health First Aid 8 hours in person workshop + 1 hour online pre-work, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and facilitated by a Certified Instructor.
- In The Know farm-focused 4-hour virtual or in person workshop, mental health awareness program developed by the University of Guelph to support others in the farm community.
LivingWorks 4-hour SafeTALK in person workshop to learn how to reach out to someone thinking about suicide and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support.
Funded by: Farm Credit Canada and supported by Do More Agriculture Foundation and many local businesses.
To learn more Community Fund — The Do More Agriculture Foundation
Apply here https://share.hsforms.com/1rb_Y7yu_Qsytc03pDmkg5Qrgljo
For more information, contact hello@domore.ag.
Insurance and Income Protection Programs are an important part of a farmer’s overall risk management strategy. AgriStability and Production Insurance work together to provide the best coverage for producers.
AgriStability helps stabilize farm income by managing the risk of large income declines. The AgriStability program is based on the income and expenses of individual farms.
2024 AgriStability Enhancement
- increased compensation rate to 90% on income declines greater than 30%
- provides up to 75% for early payments (March 31, 2025 deadline), and
- increased compensation limit ($6.2 Million)
Through Late Participation, clients have until April 30, 2025, to enrol in AgriStability's 2024 program year.
Upcoming AgriStability deadlines
March 31:
- 2024 early payment (interim) application deadline
April 30:
- 2024 late participation deadline
- 2024 program fee deadline (with penalty)
2025 program year and fee deadline
Staff are available to answer questions and help with the enrollment process.
Phone: 1-877-343-2767 toll-free. Support is available in English and Punjabi.
Email: AgriStability@gov.bc.ca
Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/AgriStability
Production Insurance helps producers manage their risk of crop losses caused by hail, spring frost, excessive rain, drought, flooding and other extreme weather events. In British Columbia, Production Insurance is available for
Upcoming Production Insurance deadlines
March 31:
- Strawberry crops application and renewal deadline
Vegetables application and renewal deadline
April 30:
- Grain application and renewal deadline
- Silage corn application and renewal deadline
- Forage spring plantings application and renewal deadline
Staff are available to help with the application and renewal process.
Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
Email: ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/CropInsurance
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.
Tree Fruit Climate Change
Response Fund
The B.C. government has announced a new $10-million Tree Fruit Climate Change Response Fund to support tree fruit farmers and provide direct financial assistance to those producers which will help them strengthen their operations and enhance long-term resilience and sustainability. The fund will provide one-time payments to eligible growers, distributed on a per-acre basis up to 28.3 hectares (70 acres). Tree fruit farmers can use the money for essential needs such as equipment, training, farm improvements, wages, or debt repayment. This funding is part of a broader $237-million investment in the sector since 2020.
Details on the rollout and next steps are currently development, please see our Tree Fruits webpage for more information in the coming weeks
Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program
The Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program is no longer accepting new applications, as funding requests have exceeded available funding. We thank all applicants for their interest in the program. Questions can be directed to TFCRProgram@gov.bc.ca.
New: Apple and Grape pruning training videos available in Spanish, Punjabi, and English
AMBROSIA APPLES: This short training video was created as a tool to help teach orchard workers some simple rules to pruning high density apples for proper crop load management.
GRAPES: How to assess potential damage to grape vines when a winter freeze event has occurred along with lessons learned from the 2022 freeze event on managing damage in the vineyard.
Smallholder producers: Animal health problems causing you stress? Did you know there are substantial discounts at the Animal Health Center to diagnose illness in smallholder poultry, pigs, sheep and goats? Cases are examined by expert veterinary pathologists at the Center. The reduced fee is $25 per case for poultry and $75 per case for pigs, sheep and goats. Subsidies to offset sample shipping costs are also available through local veterinary practices.
Follow the link below, follow, like and share!
Missed the last e-bulletin? Catch-up on previous issues here.
