Two new programs, and increased support for a third one, will help improve food security and build a stronger economy following COVID-19.
“During COVID-19, we have seen the incredible importance of having a strong local food economy to put food on the table and keep people working,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. “B.C.’s farmers and food producers have stepped up to the challenges of COVID-19, and we are working with them to put us on the path to a strong recovery with investments in new and improved programs that will feed people and strengthen our economy.”
As part of making it easier to get a farm up and running, the new Small Farm Business Acceleration Pilot Program is offering funding up to $800,000 for business plan coaching for small and new farmers, as well as cost-shared funding for commercial farm infrastructure and equipment, to increase productivity and sales.
For this pilot, a small farm is defined as one with a total annual gross revenue of less than $60,000 in the last two years. The program funding will cover 50% to 75% of total approved project costs to a maximum of $17,500 for individual farm businesses.