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The province is helping new farm operations take root in B.C. with a grant program to help grow their agricultural businesses and succeed. The application period for the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program is open from Nov. 3 to 24 for eligible farmers to apply to develop a business plan and prepare a growth strategy for their operations. “New and young farmers are the future of agriculture in Canada,” said Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Investments through the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program are helping early-stage B.C. farmers with planning and pursuing new growth opportunities that will support their long-term success.” Farmers that participated in the last intake of the program have managed to increase farm income and productivity, including Louise Lecouffe and Jed Wiebe of Elderberry Grove Farm in Salmon Arm. The funding enabled them to build a larger on-site facility with better storage and processing space in order to offer more elderberry products to customers. We’re so grateful for the support we received. It feels amazing to have a space that works perfectly for elderberry,” Lecouffe said in a media release. “Having the right facility makes our work easier and helps us share even more of this wonderful berry.” The program is supported by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year $3.5 billion investment from the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of agricultural and agri-based industries. “B.C. farmers play a key role in our regional food systems, and it is crucial that we support the next generation of farmers so they can continue to feed British Columbians,” B.C. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said. “The program is helping new and young farmers plan and then invest in the tools they need to be successful in their farm businesses, while supporting economic growth and food security in B.C.” Further information on the program is available online at gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/new-entrant-farm-business-accelerator-program. Read more: Film industry brought $9.75M, exposure to Thompson Nicola region in 2024 Read more: Now you know, Vernon man publishing B.C. almanac
