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New program arms B.C. farmers with innovative technology
November 27, 2023 By Top Crop Manager
B.C. farmers looking to grow their businesses in the face of rising costs are getting support for accessing new technologies, from items such as robotic and automated equipment, farm-management software and digital sensors, which are aimed at helping them increase production, efficiency and profitability.
The new B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program will provide up to $3 million over the next two years from the governments of Canada and British Columbia.
The program will provide immediate assistance to B.C. farmers so they can access on-farm technologies and innovations to help deal with the effects of labour shortages and operational cost increases due to inflation and supply-chain disruptions.
Applications for the first year of the program will open Nov. 27 and will be accepted until Dec. 22, or until funds are fully allocated. Innovate BC, through the Integrated Marketplace initiative, will deliver the program.
“Without innovation, there is no forward progress. I have seen first-hand the benefits of adopting proven growing methods that are used elsewhere in the world,” says James Bergan of Bergan Farms. “I am certain that this program will help growers in adopting innovative farming techniques that will improve efficiency, increase yields and allow for better management of resources.”
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year (April 1, 2023, until March 31, 2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resilience of the agriculture, agrifood and agriculture‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment, which is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially, for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
For more information, visit innovatebc.ca/programs/bc-on-farm.
