Thompson Nicola Edition

Regional Newsletter
April

Feature of the Month:

• Early-Season Drought Preparedness Tips and Resources

Upcoming Events:

• Apr 9: In person workshop - In-Field Sprayer Calibration
• Apr 15-16: In person (Register by April 1) - Pesticide Applicator Certification Course 

Accepting Applications:

• New funding available: Processor Productivity Program
• Beneficial Management Practices Program 
• Intake closing: B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program
• B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service 
• Funding extended until May 15: Indigenous-led Small Scale Greenhouse Training
• Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (Stream 3)
• AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
• Knowledge and Technology Transfer Programs 2026 - 2027
• Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program

Business Risk Management Programs:

• AgriStability
• Production Insurance

Resources and Services:

• New article: Data Mining Your Financial Records
• New AgriService video: Crop pest monitoring for small to medium scale  vegetable producers 
• Video series: FeedBC Local Food K-12 
• New episode: Organic BC podcast - A biological approach to weed, disease, and pest management in your soil
• 2024 Sector Snapshots
• Silvopasture resources
• Disease diagnosis in smallholder pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry
• The 2026 Census of Agriculture 

Early-Season Drought Preparedness Tips and Resources

The March 1^st  snow conditions and water supply bulletin reports that the provincial mountain snowpack is slightly below normal across B.C. (averaging 91% of normal), though considerably higher than at this same time last year. While it is still too early to tell what this season will bring, now is a great time to start thinking about how your farm can best prepare and adapt to changing drought conditions.

Resources to prepare for drought:

• Visit our Drought in Agriculture webpage for current information, resources and tools, including the Quick Guide to drought resources, water management. considerations, soil and crop management tips, livestock considerations, tools for agricultural irrigation scheduling, calculating water needs and accessing current weather data, and links to relevant programs and financial supports.
• Soil health is an important part of water management on your farm. See our Agricultural Soil and Nutrients webpage for guidance on managing your soils.
• Note that Producers have until April 30, 2026, to enroll for the B.C. AgriStability 2026 Program Year!

Bookmark the B.C. Drought Information Portal for quick access to the latest information on drought levels, groundwater monitoring, streamflow and snow basin indices maps. 2026 drought levels will be available once monitoring begins following freshet, typically in May or June.

In-Field Sprayer Calibration Workshop

When: April 9, 2026 from 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (PT)
Where: 975 Panorama Crescent, Oliver, B.C.
Exact locations to be determined.  Please check the Cross-Commodity Leadership Project Calendar. 

Join the BC Fruit Growers Association (BCFGA) and Pearl Agricultural Consulting, Inc. (Molly Thurston and Ken Sapsford), for a practical, expert-led training on the fundamentals of sprayer calibration—a key step for maximizing pest control while minimizing residues and environmental impact.

What You'll Learn:

• How to calibrate your sprayer accurately and efficiently
• Tips to enhance pesticide and nutrient spray efficacy 
• Tools and resources to improve your calibration practices

Pesticide Applicator Certification Course (register by April 1)

The course is open to all interested growers. Prepayment is required to order exam materials. Register by April 1st to secure your spot.

BCFGA Members pay a discounted rate: $170
(including non-refundable Exam Fee: $90 + tax)

Non-BCFGA Members pay: $220
(including non-refundable Exam Fee: $90 + tax)

Once you have registered, we will send you an invoice - you will not be able to pay directly when you are getting your ticket.

**Minimum Enrolment: Once a minimum of 10 participants have registered, BCFGA will finalize the session and notify registrants with full details.

New Funding to Strengthen Productivity in B.C.'s Food & Beverage Sector

Do you want to build your value-added farm business?

The B.C. Government has launched the Processor Productivity Program (PPP) to help food and beverage processors improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive.

The Program opened on March 25, 2026, and will remain open until fully subscribed.

The program is offered in two phases and combines practical support with cost‑shared funding:

• Phase 1 – Lean training and on‑site operational assessment: Participating businesses receive industry‑focused Lean training, hands‑on assessments, and expert guidance to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve workflow
• Phase 2 – Cost‑shared funding: Eligible participants can access cost‑shared funding to implement approved productivity improvements identified through the assessment phase.

The program is delivered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. An information webinar will be held April 9 at 2:00 PM (PT).

Funding is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Seafood businesses are solely funded by the Government of British Columbia.

Submissions Open: Beneficial Management Practices Program

Submissions are now open for:

• Energy & Fuel Efficiency
• Soil Carbon
• Riparian & Grazing, Planning Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs (P&D) (Basic, Complex, and Biogas) categories
• Extreme Weather Plans & Assessments

Starting on the application open date for each category, you can book a 10-minute phone consultation with an IAF staff member. Prior to booking an appointment, please start your draft application and provide the ID number (similar to: BMP-202425-0####).

Funding for these programs have been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by Clean BC.  The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).

Intake closing: B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program

The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program intake closing April 6.

Applications are open until April 6, 2026.

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.

For questions, contact Innovate BC: integratedmarkets@innovatebc.ca

Financial support is provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, a federal, provincial, and territorial initiative and the program is delivered by Innovate BC.
 

B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service

Looking to start or grow Indigenous food systems initiatives? The B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service is a free, concierge-style support to Indigenous farmers, food producers, businesses, entrepreneurs, economic development corporations, non-profits, and communities in B.C. to help navigate:

• Programs, services, and funding opportunities
• Government structures and processes
• Project planning and development
• Connections to organizations, partners, and collaborators

Contact us:
Email: IndigenousFoodSystems@gov.bc.ca
Phone: 236-426-5024

Indigenous-led Small Scale Greenhouse Training

Time bound opportunity! Funding for this project ends May 15, 2026. Please contact Julian as soon as possible as one-on-one support may be limited.

What’s Offered:

• One-on-one technical consulting tailored to your greenhouse project
• Advice on greenhouse design, crop planning, and operational best practices
• Support for projects at any stage—planning, construction, or active production
• Opportunity to participate in a provincial peer network with virtual workshops

How to Participate: If you or your community would like to receive support, or simply learn more, please email Julian Napoleon at klinsezaco@gmail.com.

When reaching out, please include:

• Your greenhouse project’s development stage (e.g., planning, construction, operational)
• The type of support you need most (e.g., technical advice, crop selection, greenhouse design)

This is a free-of-charge opportunity aimed at empowering Indigenous communities to build resilient and sustainable food systems.

Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (Stream 3)

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program is accepting applications for Stream 3: Assessments, Engineering Studies, or Plans. 

Applications are open for Stream 3 until funding is fully subscribed. This stream funds assessments, engineering studies, or plans that:

• Are required, often by law, before implementing on-the-ground infrastructure work
• Improve understanding of regional watershed and water supply constraints, enabling applicants to determine the appropriate type and scale of infrastructure required to achieve their project goals
• Support long‑term, climate‑resilient planning

This program is funded by the government of B.C. and administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation.

AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Applications are open for the AgriMarketing Program! 

The program aims to: 

• Open new, non-traditional markets and expand export activities to diversify and increase the volume and value of Canadian exports and interprovincial trade
• Prioritize projects that help Canadian agricultural and agri-food sectors (including fish and seafood) diversify beyond traditional markets to support the long-term growth of the sector and to help lessen current and future trade uncertainties

• Target new opportunities in high-growth potential and non-traditional markets to increase and diversify exports and strengthen interprovincial trade

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2030. The intake period may close sooner if funding has been fully committed or if otherwise announced. This is a Government of Canada program. 

Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program

2026-2027 applications for the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program are open!  

The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) supports organizations to deliver training and learning activities for B.C. producers and processors. 

Funding is available to support knowledge transfer activities such as workshops, farm tours, field trials, etc. that build skills, support adoption of best practices, and help the agriculture and food sector respond to emerging challenges. 

For the 2026–27 program year, organizations can apply for up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $7,500 per application. Activities must occur between April 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027. 

Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis while funding remains available. 

Watch the video below for more information. 

For questions, contact: Knowledge.Transfer@gov.bc.ca. 

Funding for the Program is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. 

Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program

Applications are open for the Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program until funding is fully subscribed.  

Notification of the closing date will be provided via the program webpage and newsletter. 

The Student Summer Farm, Food and Fisheries Bursary Program (SSB) supports summer labour needs, youth engagement and work experience in the agricultural sector in B.C. Full-time students employed in B.C. agriculture, food, beverage or seafood processing, fishing and aquaculture sectors during the summer season are eligible to apply for a bursary of up to $3,000. 

Students can contact ssb@iafbc.ca or 250-940-6150 with any questions about the program or to receive support with their application. 

This program is funded by the governments of Canada and B.C.

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 is continuing to deliver enhanced benefits for those enrolled in the 2025 program year:

• Increased compensation rate to 90% (on income declines greater than 30%)
• Provides up to 75% for early payments
• Maximum payment limit increased to $6 million

New Participants for the AgriStability 2026 program year apply by April 30, 2026

To join:
Submit your application using our Online form if you already have an AgriInvest/AgriStability PIN.

If you do not have a PIN or prefer paper copies fill out our PDF form and submit by email to AgriStability@gov.bc.ca 

Staff are available to answer questions and help with the enrollment process.

The Statement A submission deadline has changed!

• Deadline: June 30, 2026 (was September 30)
• Final deadline: September 30, 2026 (was December 31)
• Learn more about How to file your Statement A

We know paperwork can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our new online forms make it faster and easier to participate, and if you ever need help, just give us a call — we’re here to support you!

• Phone: 1-877-343-2767 toll free. Support is available in English and Punjabi.
• Email: AgriStability@gov.bc.ca
• Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/agriculture-insurance-and-…

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:

• Berries
• Flower bulbs
• Forage
• Grain
• Grapes
• Tree fruit
• Vegetables

Upcoming Production Insurance Deadlines

April 30, 2026:

• Grain application and payment deadline
• Forage (Silage Corn and Spring Plantings) application and payment deadline

Need Help? Production Insurance Representatives are available to help with the application and renewal process.

• Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
• Email: ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
• Visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/agriculture-insurance-and-…

New article: Data Mining Your Financial Records

Are your farm record books organized towards filing taxes, or providing valuable business management information?

New AgriService video: Crop pest monitoring for small to medium scale vegetable producers

This month’s featured AgriService video focuses on crop pest monitoring for small to medium scale vegetable producers.

The video explores practical insect pest monitoring tools and methods that help growers prevent outbreaks and collect useful data for informed management decisions.

Video series: FeedBC Local Food K-12 

Check out the new Local Food in K–12 video series on the Feed BC in K–12 webpage to see how the Sooke, Sea to Sky, Fraser-Cascade, and Prince Rupert school districts are partnering with B.C. producers and processors to bring more local food into schools while connecting students with local agriculture and food systems.

New episode: Organic BC podcast - A Biological Approach to Weed, Disease, and Pest Management in Your Soil

Don’t miss the latest episodes of the Organic BC Podcast, including the episode titled: A Biological Approach to Weed, Disease, & Pest Management in Your Soil.

This episode dives into biofumigation, a biological form of pest control that uses certain cover crops to naturally suppress weeds, soil-borne diseases, and pests. Tune in to hear Tom Forge, researcher at Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, explain it all.

We’ll also share examples of how this practice is successfully used right here in B.C.!

This podcast was funded by the Climate Agri-Solutions Fund. Funding for the Climate Agri-Solutions Fund has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

2024 Sector Snapshots

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food recently published the final 2024 Sector Snapshots. This series of five, one-page summaries provides a clear, high-level view of recent performance across B.C.’s agrifood and seafood sectors, including:

• All-Sector Snapshot: Year-over-year trends and key indicators (e.g., GDP, sales revenue, jobs, export value, etc.) for the combined agrifood sector (without double counting).
• Three Sub-Sector Snapshots: Snapshots for the subsectors of (1) agriculture; (2) seafood & fisheries; and (3) secondary manufacturing (food & beverage), each with sector‑specific metrics.

• Trade Snapshot: Highlights of export and import values, top markets, and year-over-year trade trends.

An interactive version is available under the “Sector wide data” area of our website, or you can access the interactive tool by clicking the button below.

To view more statistics about the sector, visit these Ministry of Agriculture and Food publication sites.

Silvopasture Resources

Silvopasture blends trees, forages, and livestock management as an integrated practice on the same land unit. These systems can yield a variety of benefits including production gains, economic benefits, social values, and enhanced environmental stewardship.

Learn more about silvopasture from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/agroforestry

Silvopasture case studies – Producer perspectives: Two case studies join a third previously-posted fact sheet (Silver Hills Ranch) on the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food agroforestry page. These factsheets, authored by the producers, outline why and how they have adopted, and are using, silvopasture on their operations, as well as share lessons learned.

Read these stories from fellow B.C. producers:

Disease diagnosis in smallholder pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry

The Province manages a program for disease diagnosis in smallholder poultry, pigs, sheep and goats in B.C. which includes subsidizing the shipping for smallholder cases for veterinary practices outside of the Fraser Valley. If your vet isn’t signed up direct them at the button below.

See all Ministry of Agriculture and Food  programs for disease surveillance and management in domestic animals: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-health/off…

The 2026 Agriculture Census

The 2026 Census of Agriculture begins in early May 2026. Farm operators will receive a letter with easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete the questionnaire.

Completing the questionnaire online is quick and easy:

• Go to Statistics Canada’s website, www.census.gc.ca, and select the online questionnaire.
• Use the secure access code received in the mail to complete the questionnaire.

Missed the last e-bulletin? Catch-up on previous issues here.