Farmers and ranchers are receiving additional assistance to prepare for, adapt to and lessen the impacts of climate change so they can better protect their farms and livestock and continue growing food for people in B.C.
“From flooding to wildfires and drought, our farmers and ranchers are facing the impacts of climate change head on,” said Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “That’s why it’s vitally important we continue to support the sector, and through programs like the Regional Extension Program, we’re making sure producers can protect their operations from these events and keep feeding their communities.”
The Regional Extension Program is supporting 16 regional projects through a second round of funding with $1.5 million from the governments of Canada and B.C. Farmers can improve things such as soil health, water supply and management, greenhouse gas emissions and the impact from drought and wildfire. The regional projects will take place in communities throughout the province in the coming year.
“B.C. farmers and ranchers are experiencing first-hand the impacts of climate change, and the challenges it poses to their livelihoods, personal welfare and the well-being of their animals,” said Pam Alexis, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food. “We’re already seeing the results of this program helping people in our communities prepare for and adapt to extreme weather events, which is helping strengthen food security for people in B.C.”
Several projects from the first round of funding focused on helping regions prepare for and adapt to drought. One project focused on providing drought workshops for farmers with livestock in regions most adversely affected by drought, so farmers are now better prepared to implement new strategies and best management practices that will help them adapt to climate change.
Another project focusing on drought preparation was launched in the Koksilah River watershed on Vancouver Island. Funding was used to support producers with an irrigation-scheduling project to help them be better prepared for drought conditions.
Farmers and ranchers throughout B.C. were also able to attend field days and workshops for water management and training so they can be better prepared for prolonged dry periods.
Program funding is from the Province’s CleanBC initiative and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-28), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agrifood and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40%, provincially and territorially, for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
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