The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) has undergone a refresh! The program will be accepting applications June 10 to June 30, 2021 for the spring intake period. 

This cost-shared reimbursement program is intended to support B.C.’s producers and processors to innovate and adapt to changing environmental, production, and market conditions through practical, applied knowledge and skill development. Eligible applicants may apply under one of two streams: 

Stream 1: Subject Matter Expert for Knowledge Development 
Eligible Amount - up to $1,500 (applicant must demonstrate cost-sharing contributions through cash or in-kind donation)

Stream 2: Hands on Learning for Skill Development
Eligible Amount - up to $10,000 (applicant must demonstrate cost-sharing contributions through cash or in-kind donation)

Funding for the KTTP is provided by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a joint funding agreement between the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. 

Application intake is now open for the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program. The program supports producers and food processors through three business planning streams:

1) Business plan coaching provides up to $3,000 for support from a Qualified Business Consultant to further develop small and new farmers’ business plans.

2) COVID-19 business recovery planning provides up to $5,000 in business planning services and coaching for individuals and up to $20,000 for groups, from a qualified business consultant, to develop an immediate and long-term recovery plan.

3) Specialized business planning provides up to $5,000 in business planning and services and coaching for individuals and up to $20,000 for groups, from a qualified business consultant to further develop a specialized plan (one or a combination of business structures, production economics, business strategy, cash flow and financial analysis, value added ventures, risk assessment and mitigation, human resources and succession / transition planning).

For additional information please refer to the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program's website or contact program staff at agribusiness@gov.bc.ca or 1-888-221-7141. 

The Government of Canada is launching new efforts to increase the availability of rapid test kits for Canadian workers. Businesses with high contact workplaces in critical sectors can now apply for free rapid test kits. The use of rapid tests as a screening tool is another layer of protection. It's not a substitute for other public health measures, such as mask wearing, hand hygiene, physical distancing, and proper ventilation. 

The Youth Employment and Skills Program provides a wage subsidy to employers who hire youth for agricultural jobs. The program offers support for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000.

Employers can apply on or after May 5, 2021 for their project to be considered. Projects may start retroactively as early as April 15, 2021.

The Resource Management Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries would like to share with you the recently published factsheet: Guidance on Farm Water Storage. 

This factsheet addresses the increasing concerns many agricultural commodity groups and regions have in regards to expanding farm water storage and answers questions on the regulatory requirements under the Water Sustainability Act and its related regulations (e.g., Dam Safety Regulation). It gives guidance to producers on a number of aspects (e.g. storage type/size, water source, practicality, feasibility, regulation) that will help them make informed decisions when contemplating water storage.  

We are pleased to be able to share the Small-Scale IPM Guides with you! These resources were developed as part of a 12-guide series for small-scale vegetable and berry farmers in the Fraser Valley and Lillooet-Pemberton areas. Growers in other regions of BC may also find the information applicable to their local conditions.

Agricultural Excellence Virtual Conference, "The Challenge of Change", takes place November 24-26, 2021

The Agricultural Excellence Conference (AgEx) welcomes anyone and everyone from farmers to advisors, academia, organizations, private industry, and government to join us to exchange expertise and insights to continue to position Canada's farmers for success through farm management excellence. Through a variety of speakers, discussion panels and interactive learning, Farm Management Canada will feature top notch content through their virtual platform, so you can enjoy learning and networking from anywhere - your home, office, field, boat, barn or greenhouse!

 Want to see more webinars that could support your business? Visit our AgriService B.C. Past Webinars library to view other recorded webinars.