We are thrilled to announce we are now accepting applications for the Emergency On-Farm Support Fund.
The program assists agricultural producers with some of the incremental costs for improving the health and safety of farm workers and limiting the spread of COVID-19 in agricultural operations. The program will provide up to $100,000 per recipient in non-repayable, cost-shared funding. Applications must include at least $5,000 in total eligible costs to be considered for the program.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants are primary agricultural producers whose operations are based in British Columbia and meet the following criteria:
- be located in British Columbia;
- be one of the following: Sole proprietor, Partnership, Corporation, Cooperative, Communal Organization, Trust, Band Farm;
- be an agricultural producer (farm, ranch, greenhouse, fruit grower etc.);
- be producing an agricultural product for sale;
- have at least two (2) full-time equivalent farm workers; and,
- have been in operation for at least two years.
Note: Aquaculture production is not eligible under this program.
What can I use funding for?
All activities must directly improve worker health and safety for BC-based farming operations. Eligible activities can be retroactive to March 15, 2020 and must be completed and fully paid for by February 19, 2021. Eligible activities include:
- Workspace adjustments
- On-Farm Housing Enhancements
- Transportation
- Disposable PPE
- No-Disposable PPD
- Training and Interpretation
How Much Funding Is Available?
Applications must include at least $5,000 in total eligible project costs to be considered. The maximum amount of funding that the program can provide to recipients is $100,000.
Program funding is provided based on a 50/50 cost share ratio, with businesses that are majority-owned (greater than 50%) by women, youth (40 years and under), indigenous persons, people with disabilities and/or visible minorities being eligible for a 60/40 cost-share ratio.
How Do I Apply?
IAF has developed an online application portal that provides a one-stop-shop for applying for funding. The application window is open now and will remain open until November 17, 2020 @ 16:30. To find out more and to apply, please see here.