Key Takeaways
- B.C. farmers can apply for funding support to adopt new on-farm technologies starting March 17 through the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program.
- The program is delivered by Innovate BC and funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
- This third intake focuses on labour-saving technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability in food production.
- Up to $2.25 million is available for the 2025/2026 fiscal year to help farmers invest in automation, robotics, and precision agriculture solutions.
- Applications are open from March 17 to April 28, 2025.
New Funding Available to Support B.C. Farmers with On-Farm Technology
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program, designed to help farmers implement new agricultural technologies, is now open for its third funding intake. The program, managed by Innovate BC, provides cost-shared funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The 2025/2026 funding round focuses on commercially available farming technologies that enhance efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Particular emphasis is placed on labour-saving solutions, such as automated weeding and harvesting equipment, robotic sorting machines, and AI-driven farm automation to address ongoing labour shortages in the sector.
Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, highlighted the importance of investing in farm technology: “Thanks to this program, we’re helping farmers and food producers all over the province use technology to increase their efficiency and production, as well as address labor challenges the sector is facing. This new intake will allow more producers to have the latest equipment and software on their farms so they can be more competitive, improve their bottom line, and produce more of the food that feeds our communities.”
Investment in Agricultural Innovation
Since its launch in 2023, the program has awarded $4.12 million to support 85 farm projects in British Columbia. The latest funding round provides $2.25 million to eligible farmers for investments in technology-driven solutions that improve operations, such as:
- Automated weeding and harvesting equipment to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.
- Robotic sorting and grading machines for post-harvest processing.
- Precision agriculture tools to optimize water, nutrient, and pest management.
Peter Cowan, President and CEO of Innovate BC, emphasized the role of technology in strengthening the agricultural sector: “With rising costs and shifting market conditions, investing in innovation is more critical than ever to strengthen local food security and keep B.C. farms competitive. The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program helps farmers access cutting-edge agritech that boosts efficiency and resilience, ensuring they can keep their business productive and remain key contributors to our economy and communities.”
Supporting a Resilient Agricultural Sector
The program is part of Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace suite and is funded through the Sustainable CAP, a five-year, $3.5 billion initiative supported by federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The investment includes:
- $1 billion in federal programs for agricultural innovation and sustainability.
- $2.5 billion in cost-shared funding (60% federal, 40% provincial/territorial) for province-led programs such as the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program.
Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, underscored the broader economic benefits of agricultural innovation: “Through innovation, we can support our farmers and grow not only food but also a more resilient economy. By helping farms integrate new technologies, we are making their businesses more productive and profitable while strengthening B.C.’s agricultural sector.”
How to Apply For The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program
Applications for this round of funding are open from March 17 to April 28, 2025. Farmers operating within British Columbia are eligible to apply. More details on program eligibility and application guidelines can be found at Innovate BC’s website.
