Today, Minister Bibeau joined Minister Popham to announce that B.C. farmers who suffered extraordinary damages in last year’s devastating floods will have access to up to $228 million in federal-provincial government support to help their farms return to production.

The Government of Canada will continue to support farm families to get through the challenges they are facing now and build a sustainable future. This Canada-BC Flood Recovery Program for Food Security will be delivered by the Government of British Columbia and leverage the federal government’s AgriRecovery Framework and Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement (DFAA).

In addition to AgriRecovery, producers have access to a suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms.

Producers are encouraged to sign up for the AgriStability program, which can help farmers cover severe drops in farm income. The governments of Canada and B.C. agreed to open up late participation in AgriStability so farmers who did not register in 2021 can still benefit from this important income support. Producers have until December 31, 2022 to register for the 2021 program year. 

The two governments have also agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim payment percentage to 75%, up from 50%, so producers can access a greater portion of their benefit early to meet their urgent needs. Initial payments can be available in a matter of weeks. Insured producers can also make claims under AgriInsurance, which insures crops against losses due to weather.

To learn more about this announcement, visit BC Gov News.

If you have questions regarding how to access this funding, you may contact our office at 604-501-5900 or by email at [email protected].