Key Takeaways:
- New funding available: Up to $2 million is now accessible for B.C. farmers through the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program.
- Focus on labour-saving technologies: The program supports adopting new technologies that address labour shortages and improve farming efficiency.
- Applications open: Farmers can apply from August 20 to October 6, 2024.
- Integrated Marketplace initiative: The program is part of a broader $3.5-billion investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
- Proven impact: In the program’s first round, 54 farms received funding to enhance their operations.
Through the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program, farmers in British Columbia are being supported in adopting new labour-saving technologies. The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of farms across the province and contribute to improved food security.
The program, which is funded by both the governments of Canada and British Columbia, has made up to $2 million available this year to assist farmers in adopting innovative farming technologies. This is the second round of funding offered through the program, with a focus on commercially available technologies that can streamline the processes involved in growing, raising, harvesting, packing, or storing food.
Addressing Labour Challenges
One of the main objectives of this funding round is to support farmers in addressing labour shortages. The program is designed to help them acquire technologies that reduce the reliance on manual labour, potentially leading to increased efficiency and productivity on farms. Eligible technologies include automated weeding equipment, robotic harvesters, and machinery capable of performing tasks with minimal human intervention, such as automated grading and sorting machines.
These technologies may provide solutions to some of the labour-intensive challenges faced by farmers, potentially reducing costs associated with manual labour and improving consistency in farm operations.
Application Process and Program Background
Farmers interested in this funding opportunity can submit applications between August 20 and October 6, 2024. The program is delivered through the Integrated Marketplace initiative by Innovate BC, a Crown agency of the Province of B.C.
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is part of the larger Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion investment aimed at enhancing the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of Canada’s agricultural sector. This partnership includes $1 billion in federal initiatives and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared between federal and provincial/territorial governments.
In the first intake of the program, 54 farms received a total of $2 million to purchase new equipment. This funding was used to adopt technologies aimed at improving farm operations.
