HUNDREDS of B.C. farmers will be better equipped to deal with drought with supports to help manage, collect and store water for crops and livestock, the Province announced on Monday.

“Last year, our province faced an unprecedented lack of rain, and this winter we’re seeing snow levels are at remarkable lows, meaning next summer might be even worse,” said Premier David Eby. “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. 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.”

B.C. farmers will be able to access an additional $80 million in funding through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program to make irrigation more efficient, or to build infrastructure to improve water availability and storage. These actions will benefit stream flows, fish populations and support more sustainable food production.

“Climate change is impacting both water and food security for people in British Columbia, making it challenging for farmers’ livelihoods and affecting local food systems,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “This is why we’re providing enhanced support to improve on-farm and community water infrastructure so we can grow more food and ensure proper water management during potential floods and drought.”

Launched in June 2023, with an initial $20-million fund, the program is funding 108 projects ranging from water storage, such as agricultural dams and dugouts, to improved water-supply systems for irrigation and livestock. It’s expected the additional funding will benefit hundreds more farmers.

On the territory of the Lheidli T’enneh in Newlands, northeast of Prince George, Hope Farm Organics has been able to increase its water supply through the program, allowing them to grow more fruits and vegetables.

“With uncertain times in changing climate patterns and weather extremes, the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program helped our vegetable and fruit farm become more resilient in the face of these extremes,” said Andrew Adams, owner, Hope Farm Organics. “This resilience has given me the confidence to continue developing and expanding our crops into the future, which ultimately will help improve British Columbia’s food security and the sustainability of our farm. Water is life.”

The City of Delta received $2 million, which is helping improve the efficiency of the local irrigation system. These enhancements will help ensure water keeps flowing to farmers in times of drought and reinforces food security for people in the region.

“The support our city has received from the B.C. government’s Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program has been instrumental in facilitating crucial irrigation upgrades, greatly benefiting our valued farming community,” said Delta Mayor George V. Harvie. “This strategic investment not only bolsters water security but also plays a vital role in fostering resilience and sustainability within our local food supply chain.”

Another $3 million will go toward regional workshops that will provide demonstrations, education, best practices and tools for water and irrigation use specific to drought-affected communities. This is in addition to the Agricultural Water Management Workshops and Drought Management Engagement Sessions that government staff have been leading in close to 30 communities throughout the province over the past month and continuing in the weeks ahead.

Quick Facts:

* The B.C. government is providing as much as $80 million to expand the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, which had previously received one-time funding of $20 million.

* Agricultural producers can apply for funding starting in early April for smaller-scale on-farm projects through the Beneficial Management Practices program.

* Applications for larger farm projects and more complex community-based projects will open in May through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program.

* Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff are working with partners in the agricultural sector on allocation of funding for the larger strategic projects.

* Both programs are administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

* An additional $3 million will go toward the Agricultural Drought Resource Extension Program to provide support for regional workshops and on-farm demonstrations.

Learn More:

For details and to apply for the Beneficial Management Practices Program, visit: https://iafbc.ca/bmp

For details and to apply for the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program, visit: www.iafb.ca/awi