COVID-19 and your farm business
 
Full Image
Update from B.C.'s Agriculture Minister Lana Popham
yd2

Update on COVID-19

Dear friends,

Thank you for doing your best in the fight against COVID-19!

As a member of the cabinet of British Columbia, I can say with great sincerity that your provincial government is working incredibly hard to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in this together and we will get through it together.

As the minister of agriculture, I want to comment on two of the many urgent issues that my ministry is prioritizing on behalf of B.C.’s farm, fish and food sector...


COVID-19 - You, your family and your business

Information on COVID-19

The Province of British Columbia continues to closely monitor the situation surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time, agriculture and agri-food producers are advised to prepare themselves for potential disruption. You may already be dealing with some disruption as a result of travel plans, employee management and supply chain logistics. 

The AgriService BC email service was designed to provide industry with information on Ministry supports for the development of the agriculture and agri-food industry. At this unprecedented time, the Ministry will use this email to share important, unbiased information to support farmers, processors, fish and seafood harvesters and processors, and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Agriculture encourages you to continue reviewing www.bccdc.ca and gov.bc.ca/covid19  for health updates.  The Ministry will provide updates through AgriService BC over the coming weeks with respects to programs and resources to support the sector during this time. These resources are not exhaustive and the Ministry is evaluating programs and resources to ensure supports are in place to support farmers and food processors. 

For agriculture related questions, please contact the Ministry of Agriculture through AgriService BC at 1-888-221-7141 or AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca.

 

 

 

Non-medical information about COVID-19 is available 7:30am-8pm, 7 days a week at 1-888-COVID19
(1-888-268-4319).

 

 

 

yd2

Self-Assessment for COVID-19

This self-assessment tool, developed by the BC Ministry of Health, will help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.

 

 

 

yd2

Where do I go for health information?

A new coronavirus is causing an outbreak of respiratory infections. Find information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus. 

 

 

 

yd2

Being Prepared

In order to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, everyone has a role to play. Each of us can help our country be prepared in the event of an emergency by understanding how coronavirus spreads and how to prevent illness.

Resources for your business
yd2

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Information for Industry

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 and its impacts on the Canadian agricultural industry and is taking the necessary steps to ensure that producers and processors can continue to operate effectively and keep supply lines open.

 

 

 

yd2

Resources for Canadian Businesses

The Government of Canada is committed to providing you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions as your business navigates through these challenges.

 

 

 

yd2

COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

The Government of Canada‘s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.

 

 

 

yd2

Resources for Small Businesses 

This 3-part checklist and resource listing can help you prepare your business now for potential future disruptions. For more supports from Small Business BC, stay up to date with their COVID-19 resource page

yd2

Understanding Employment Insurance

Canadians quarantined can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.




yd2

Support for Entrepreneurs through BDC

With flexible and tailored solutions, BDC can help you with the right financing and advice for your business.




 

 

 

yd2

COVID-19 Awareness Resources

Awareness resources for you and your farm business to provide critical visual updates and understandings of COVID-19 including handwashing, preparedness and social distancing. 

 

 

 

yd2

Business Continuity Toolkit

To plan your business continuity exercise and mitigate the potential effects of an emergency, BDC has created usable templates for your business.

 

 

 

yd2

Find Support for Your Business

Innovation.canada.ca brings it all together in one place. It's the place to go to get a tailored list of everything that the federal government can do for your business.

 

 

 

yd2

Farm Credit Canada - Updates

Farm Credit Canada has developed a COVID-19 landing page which will provide resources on how to manage your business during times of disruption as well as updates on services and supports.

 

 

 

yd2

COVID-19 and Your Animals

To date, there have not been any reports of livestock being infected by COVID-19 anywhere. However, livestock producers should follow normal biosecurity measures as always. This includes limiting visitors or workers who may have travelled to, or been in contact with, someone from an affected area.

Full Image
Supports for you

Managing Stress and Anxiety

The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Developing healthy coping mechanisms to address stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. 

 

 

 

Seek Support 
Mental Health Support at 310-6789 (no area code needed) for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health. 

 

 

 

Health Link BC



Visit Mental Health Supports in B.C., an online resource of over 6,000+ mental health and substance use services.

Crisis Centre BC



The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC is committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis through online and and phone support.

Canadian Mental Health Association

The Canadian Mental Health Association provides mental health promotion and mental illness recovery-focused programs and services for people of all ages and their families.

 

 

 

yd2

Do More Ag

Do More Ag Foundation provides research, awareness and community support for the mental wellbeing of all Canadian producers..

 

 

 

yd2

Rooted in Strength - Farm Credit Canada

Farm Credit Canada's Rooted in Strength provides mental health resources for farmers and their families to ensure their overall well-being. 

Resources
yd2

Recipes featuring BC Products

Whether you're looking for activities for your loved ones during social-distancing, a week-night dinner or a great way to promote your farm product - Buy BC has developed recipes that incorporate BC products. Each recipe has a video instruction to accompany it.


Program Updates
yd2

BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

As of Friday, March 20, 2020, all Business Risk Management program services will be provided by mail, phone and email only. Temporarily, we are not providing services in person in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 to the public and our...

Full Image
yd2

Have a question about agriculture?

Contact AgriService BC   
Phone:
1-888-221-7141
Email: AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca

AgriService BC connects farmers, food processors and new entrants to agricultural services, programs and information that can help them succeed.