Lindsay Chung
Observer Contributor
The application window for the Environmental Farm Plan and Beneficial Management Practices programs is now open, with the first deadline for producers coming up July 17.
The 2018-19 Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program, is now available. The program “supports producers to implement practices, identified through an Environmental Farm Plan, to increase agricultural sustainability, address climate change and contribute to a cleaner environment,” according to the BC Ministry of Agriculture website.
Details of the BMP Program for 2018-19 were posted online in late June and can be found at http://ardcorp.ca/programs/environmental-farm-plan/efp-program-resources/.
“The BMP list contains a similar suite of practices eligible for funding as in past years; however, minor changes have been made to eligibility and policy,” according to an email from Cariboo Chilcotin Coast regional agrologist Nicole Pressey.
According to Pressey, changes have been made to try to distribute funding in a fair manner to projects across B.C., and there are now four broad groups of practice codes with specific application timing windows.
• Supplementary Management Plans and Technical Design Projects – began accepting applications June 18, and the application window closure is subject to funding availability
• Long Term Complex or Construction Projects – the application window is July 3 to July 17, and initial ranking will give preference to projects directly related to nutrient management
• Short Term Projects or Equipment Purchases – the application window is July 30 to Aug. 13, and initial ranking will give preference to projects directly related to nutrient management
• Irrigation Projects – Category 18 (Practice Codes 1804, 1805, 1806) – the application window is July 3 to Aug. 13
Applications will only be accepted during the window, and the closure of the window or program is subject to funding availability. All projects will be subjected to a detailed review using the information required under General Policy Statement 21 (2018-19 BMP List).
Applications can be submitted in person, by fax, by email, in the mail or through a Planning Advisor.
For more information, call 1-866-522-3447.