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Islands
Regional Newsletter
May 2025
Welcome to the May 2025 newsletter! We have several May learning opportunities to highlight and some big funding programs opening for applications soon.
The May newsletter includes:
Upcoming Spring Events
- May 8: On-Farm Research Info Session: Regenerative Climate Resilient Vegetables
- May 13, 15, 21: Producer Emergency Awareness Sessions
- May 20, 27: Free events from The AgLife Network
Programs and Funding Opportunities
- Introducing the Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (AESI)
- B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporter Program
- Producer Emergency Awareness Sessions
- 2026 Nuffield Scholarship (applications are now OPEN)
- Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program
- Business Risk Management Programs
Resources
- Preparing for New Housing Standards
- B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service
- WorkWell by AgSafe
Minister Popham tours Comox Valley farms and food processors, holds Farmer Townhall
The Hon. Lana Popham, BC Minister of Agriculture and Food, spent several days in the Comox Valley for an on-the-ground perspective of local agriculture. In addition to visiting food producers and processors, Minister Popham joined the Comox Valley Farmers Institute for a 2-hour Farmer Townhall on Wednesday, April 23. The Minister welcomed questions on a variety of topics including secondary dwellings and other ALR issues, succession planning, and, of course, all things water (water rights and licensing, storage, etc.).
Over a dozen farms and food processors received ministerial visits accompanied by her trademark warm hugs and keen questions such: “What is your favorite thing to grow?”, “What are your biggest challenges?” and “How can we make [that one program] better?”
Finally, she said: “Thank you to all the producers, processors, local government officials and members of the Comox Valley Farmer’s Institute who took time out of their busy schedules to accommodate such a fantastic tour! Coming back into this Ministry after two years away, it was important to me that we get back to regularly touring the province to meet with farmers and processors, getting my boots on the ground, discussing day-to-day highs and lows with farmers, seeing firsthand how their crops are coming along, getting feedback on Ministry
programs... All of which allows me to be a better champion in the legislature for all of them. Comox Valley is a special place with hardworking folks who are helping support our provincial and regional food security. Four days wasn’t nearly enough time up there, and I know I will definitely be back in the near future!”
Minister Popham’s passion for agriculture was apparent at every stop, and we’ll look forward to her next visit.
On-Farm Research Info Session: Regenerative Climate Resilient Vegetables
Time: Thursday, May 8, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM PDT
Join us for an evening info session highlighting the Regenerative-Organic Climate Resilient Vegetables project. Hear from researchers in the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes lab about key findings from nine years of on-farm research. Topics include introductory nutrient management, conservation tillage, and cover cropping practices on organic farms across southern British Columbia.
This event also introduces the next four-year phase of field trials launching this spring, focused on enhancing regenerative outcomes through practices like conservation tillage, nutrient management, and cover cropping. Organic vegetable farmers in the Kootenays, Vancouver Island, and the Lower Mainland are invited to learn more about joining the trial!
What to expect:
- An introduction to the new field trials and how to get involved
- Preliminary results from long-term organic soil health trials
- An opportunity to share your research priorities and shape research questions
- Upcoming opportunities to get support with soil health assessment
Producer Emergency Awareness Sessions
Free AgLife Connector training from the AgLife Network
The AgLife Network - Connector Training is a suicide prevention gatekeeper and mental health awareness training for anyone who works with or in agriculture. Using the Check, Care, Connect model, participants will be trained in primary skills and a deeper exploration of the agricultural side of mental health.
There are two online training events in May:
May 20, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM PDT: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1332027362699
May 27, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM PDT: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1342879341259
The AgLife Network is developed in partnership with AgSafeBC and the Canadian Mental Health Association of B.C. Support by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
Introducing the Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (AESI)
While the Investment Agriculture Foundation has retired the “Farmland Advantage (FLA)” name, the Ministry’s support continues under a new program title: Agri-Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative (AESI).
What’s not changing are the Ministry’s funding commitment, the delivery model, core activities, and ecological restoration priorities that have defined this important work.
AESI is a voluntary program that supports B.C. producers in implementing beneficial management practices that enhance ecological goods and services on agricultural lands. The program continues to focus on riparian and grassland restoration and protection, building on the legacy and success of the former Farmland Advantage program.
Led by the Province of B.C. and delivered by IAF, AESI strengthens the province’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem resilience.
Stay Informed: Subscribe to receive updates and program announcements.
The 2025 British Columbia Tree Fruit Climate Change Response Fund is now open for applications. This $10 million, one-time fund supports B.C. tree fruit growers in response to the significant challenges faced over the past four years, and the ongoing threats impacting the sector.
Growers who meet the program criteria are encouraged to apply as soon as possible on the PODS Applicant Portal. For full program details, including eligibility requirements and Terms and Conditions, please visit the Tree Fruit Climate Change Response Fund website.
How to Apply:
- Register for a free BCeID account if you haven’t already.
- If you are a Production Insurance (PI) policyholder, use the same email address you have on file with Production Insurance when creating your BCeID. This links your information.
- Log in to the PODS Applicant Portal to access the application.
- If you hold a 2024 PI policy, a draft application has already been created for you in the portal — go to "My Applications" and click the downward arrow to "Edit" your draft. You do not need to start a new application if you are a PI policyholder.
- Report any additional Eligible Acres (beyond your insured crops), if applicable.
- Submit your application by May 19, 2025.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Applicants must have at least 1 hectare (2.47 acres) of tree fruit production planted before November 30, 2024.
- A minimum of 100 trees per acre is required.
- Payments are capped at 70 eligible acres (28.3 hectares).
- Final payment rates will be determined after applications close and acreage is verified.
If you have questions or need support with the application, please contact:
236-602-2376 or TreeFruitClimateChangeResponseFund@gov.bc.ca
Please submit your application as soon as possible to secure payment.
In July 2024 the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food launched the AgriService BC Crop and Livestock Reporter Program, based on the very successful crop reporting programs in Alberta and Saskatchewan. This program is for any agricultural producer or allied tradesperson who enjoys monitoring agricultural production conditions in their area and would like to be part of a network of people contributing timely, local agricultural intel to raise awareness of growing conditions throughout B.C. and support agricultural information sharing.
Each week from May to November, Reporters will spend about 5 minutes filling out an easy online survey that collects information on rainfall, topsoil moisture conditions, seeding progress, crop development, crop damage, harvest progress, livestock feed and water supplies, and pasture conditions. This information will be used in B.C. by producers, producer organizations, government, and others interested in keeping informed of current agricultural production findings in regions across B.C.
Please visit the program website here: B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporter Program - Province of British Columbia for more information and to register as a Crop and Livestock Reporter.
2026 Nuffield Scholarship Applications Are Now OPEN
Nuffield Canada’s scholarship is an opportunity to develop global perspectives, expertise and leadership capacity in Canadian agriculture. The scholarship includes:
An 8-day Contemporary Scholars Conference with scholars from around the world (location TBD)
Global Focus Program, where small groups of 8 to 10 scholars may spend six weeks on the road together
Individual Research Travel anywhere in the world within a 2-year timeframe, for a period of no less than 10 weeks, to study their chosen topic, with six weeks of that being consecutive travel, culminating in a final report
Application Intake: April 1 - June 30 each year.
Who is eligible: Canadians between the ages of 25 – 50, from primary production to value, added processing to governance or communications
Value: Six Canadian scholarships are awarded per year, valued at $20,000.
The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program - Apply Now
The 2025–26 Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) is experiencing strong interest, and we encourage applicants to apply now while funding is still available.
The program provides up to 75% in cost-shared funding to support events and activities that build practical skills and knowledge among B.C. producers and processors. Eligible activities include workshops, farm tours, field days, and speaker events.
Organizations working to strengthen B.C.’s agriculture and food sector are encouraged to apply soon. Completed applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the program intake will close once all funding has been committed.
Apply by visit the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program webpage (Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program - Province of British Columbia)
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
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.
AgriStability Enrolment Deadline Extension for 2025
The 2025 AgriStability enrolment deadline has been extended to July 31, 2025. This extension provides additional time for producers to register as they manage challenges such as production loss, increased costs, and changing market conditions.
Sign up for AgriStability using our online form or by sending the completed printable/fillable PDF to BC AgriStability.
Rapid Support Available
The interim rate for the 2025 Program Year has increased from 50% up to 75%. Farmers experiencing losses can apply for interim payments under AgriStability for quicker financial assistance.
Utilize Risk Management Programs
Producers are encouraged to use the comprehensive suite of business risk management (BRM) programs, including AgriStability, to protect their operations and contribute to a resilient agriculture sector.
Have questions about AgriStability?
- Call 1-877-343-2767,
- Email: mailto:AgriStability@gov.bc.ca, or
- Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/AgriStability
We’re available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Service is available in English and Punjabi.
Production Insurance
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:
Need help with Production Insurance?
- Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
- Email: ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
- Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/CropInsurance
Staff are available to help with the application and renewal process.
B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service
The B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service is a single source for support and referral to help navigate the relevant information, tools and funding available to start or expand activities in Indigenous Food Systems. Staff provide provincial wayfinding services and program referrals as required to connect people to current supports and other available opportunities.
To access this free service, email IndigenousFoodSystems@gov.bc.ca or call 236-426-5024 and a staff member will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
WorkWell by AgSafe
Many temporary foreign workers (TFWs) come from regions where occupational health and safety regulations are less stringent or inconsistently enforced. In some cases, workplace hazards are viewed as unavoidable, and safety measures may be neglected due to economic constraints or a lack of employer accountability. These differences in safety culture create challenges for employers striving to provide effective orientation and training.
Recognizing the critical role of TFWs in Canada’s agricultural industry, AgSafe BC sought to enhance existing safety education methods. The result is WorkWell, a FREE mobile app designed to reinforce safety education in a way that is continuous, engaging, and personalized. WorkWell complements traditional training programs by delivering bite-sized courses and interactive quizzes to ensure ongoing learning. Additionally, the app allows workers to log their hours and track workplace incidents, helping to secure fair wages and provide reliable documentation for injury claims.
Preparing for New Housing Standards
Starting in January 2027, new federal housing requirements will affect employers in B.C. who provide housing for temporary foreign workers. These proposed requirements apply to employers in primary harvesting, primary fruit and vegetable processing, and seafood processing employers.
To get ready, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food are asking employers who provide or will provide temporary foreign worker housing to complete a short, anonymous survey. The survey opens on May 7 and closes June 20, 2025. It will help the Province understand how prepared employers are to meet these new proposed housing requirements and how best to support employers to meet them.
Farmers & Ranchers: Prepare with a Wildfire Plan
- Your local government is your key source of information during emergencies - are you registered to receive their updates? (Regional district, municipality, or First Nation)
- How will you protect livestock—relocate? Shelter in place?
- Have you taken steps to reduce the risk of losing critical farm & ranch structures?
Build your personalized Wildfire Plan today to
- Share and receive information from key contacts involved in wildfire response
- Take effective action before and during wildfire
Reduce risks, protect what matters, and recover when the smoke clears: Farm & Ranch Wildfire Guide & Plan
