The provincial government is making an additional $80 million in support available
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
B.C.’s government is providing more support to help farmers manage drought conditions.
On March 18, Premier David Eby announced an additional $80 million in funding through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program.
The program, originally launched with a $20 million investment in 2023, provides incentives for the ag sector to invest in water infrastructure for adaptation.
Since the program started, it has helped support 108 projects ranging from water storage to water supply systems for irrigation and livestock.
The latest Canadian Drought Monitor shows most of B.C. experiencing some level of drought.
“Climate change – and drought in particular – makes it tough to secure water for animals, crops and feed, and it makes food more expensive for everyone,” Premier Eby said in a statement. “Our government heard the call for help from farmers. This money will help build water storage and buy the equipment farmers tell us they need to keep providing the food we all depend on.”
In addition to the $80 million for the water infrastructure support, another $3 million will be used to host regional workshops to provide education and best practices in drought-affected communities.
Multiple members of B.C.’s ag community celebrated the new water infrastructure funding.
Ensuring farmers have reliable access to water is a win for farmers and the greater community, said Casey Pruim, chair of the BC Dairy Association.
“In order to grow healthy crops to feed our cattle, and in turn provide nutritious, local dairy products for communities around our province, dairy farmers need predictable and reliable access to water,” he said in a statement.
Investing in water storage innovation is important for the times Mother Nature doesn’t bring the necessary moisture, said Werner Stump, vice president of the BC Cattlemen’s Association.
“Nature does not always give us enough water when we need it, so we must manage it through storage to create a secure food supply especially in times of drought. This investment goes beyond a benefit to agriculture as the same infrastructure will also reduce the risk of flooding, a benefit to all British Columbians.”
Farmers with smaller projects can apply in April through the Beneficial Management Practices program.
And farmers with larger projects can begin applying in May through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program.