The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program has been launched to empower new and young farmers in British Columbia's agriculture sector.
This initiative, shared by both federal and provincial agricultural leaders, aims to fortify community food security while enabling young farming entrepreneurs to thrive.
Lawrence MacAulay, the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, highlighted the importance of young farmers in Canada's agrifood future, emphasizing the program's role in equipping them for success.
“We recognize the barriers that new and young farmers face, which is why this program is so important for growing farm businesses and helping B.C. entrepreneurs flourish,” said Pam Alexis, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food. “By providing this support, farmers can map out their future and then purchase what they need to succeed as a business, while also strengthening the economy and food supply in their communities.”
The program will run in two phases, starting with support for business planning and strategy development.
The subsequent phase focuses on executing these strategies, offering funding for essential on-farm infrastructure such as tractors, greenhouses, and irrigation systems.
This endeavor builds upon the successful Small Farm Business Acceleration Pilot Program of 2020, designed as part of B.C.'s COVID-19 economic recovery strategy. This pilot initiative positively impacted over 60 farmers.
Farmers like Erin Abercrombie and Madison Whale from Puzzlegrass Farm and Trent Mason with Emily Chambers of Blue Canoe Orchards benefitted significantly, enhancing their operations and productivity.
According to Madison Whale, owner/operator, Puzzlegrass Farm, "The funding from the program allowed us to build infrastructure on our farm that was necessary to grow our business. Not only did it improve our farm, but we were able to hire a contractor who was able to start her own business as well. For that we are so grateful."
Emily Chambers, owner/operator, Blue Canoe Orchards agrees with Whale, “We are extremely grateful for the support from the pilot program that helped us purchase a new tractor, which is essential to our day-to-day operations at Blue Canoe Orchards. This has helped us work towards our goals of production and value-added activities.”
Applications are open until November 30, 2023, with successful applicants from Phase 1 being eligible for Phase 2 funding. The program's funding, amounting to $600,000, is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership's five-year plan, a $3.5-billion joint investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
For those looking to benefit, the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program is also welcoming applications, offering further support in agri-business skills and specialized planning areas.