You’ve been approved for BMP Funding. Now what?

Congratulations on your successful application, and welcome to the Beneficial Management Practices Project Resource Hub.

Implement your project like a pro, with our guides, templates and more!

Here, you will find a step-by-step outline of your responsibilities as a Funding Recipient and all of the information needed to successfully manage your funded project. If you still have questions after reviewing the content of this resource, please don’t hesitate to contact our Program Delivery team.

Don’t have a Beneficial Management Practices Project?

If your project number starts with BMP, you’re in the right place. If it begins with another letter set, you’re on the wrong page. Go to our Project Resource Hub to navigate to the correct page.

Important Information

We strongly recommend you take a few minutes to review the information below – even if you have previously received funding. A few minutes now could save you time and money in the future.

Many projects involve several individuals, organizations, third party contractors and other partners. Please share this information with all those involved in the delivery of your project.

Reporting

All reporting will be done via the IAF Client Portal. When your reports are ready, you will receive an email to your inbox with directions. To complete or review a report, click the Report card on the left side of the IAF Client Portal and navigate to the relevant project or report.

What are the requirements for plans or designs?

For some plans and designs certain requirements must be met to be eligible withing the program. Below are the requirments for your reference.

Plan must include:

  • An opportunities assessment, an action plan, identification of potential activities to be implemented, and a monitoring plan.
  • A comprehensive list of species present and known occurrences for species at risk (or anecdotal reports from landowner and neighbours if no occurrence data is present)
  • Any planning and decision support tools used (e.g., computer software and aerial photos)
  • Maps and land resource information costs
  • Consultant’s report
  • A document covering what was discussed during the producer and consultant’s final plan review

The biodiversity guide defines biodiversity, explains its importance at both local and landscape scales, outlines key principles for managing biodiversity on agricultural operations, and includes sample plans (Pages 101 to 141) to support the development of a Biodiversity Management Plan for farms and ranches in BC.

The grazing management guide supports BC farmers and ranchers in developing a comprehensive grazing management plan for their operations. The plan checklist is found on page 26.

Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) Checklist supports BC farmers and ranchers in developing a comprehensive IPM plan for their operations. It provides a structured framework to guide pest monitoring, threshold-based decision-making, selection of appropriate controls, and effective record-keeping. Please visit the Ministry’s IPM website for additional details, on the website Production and Best Practices Guides are also available for many commercial crops in BC.

Assessments and/or Designs must include:

  • Notes from CID’s initial site investigation prior to action plan and quote preparation
  • Identification of areas where maintenance is required
  • CID’s signature and seal
  • A certified design layout, material list, and operation and maintenance requirements
  • CID’s invoice to the producer outlining the services before payment for plan can be made
  • For existing irrigation systems:
    • Pre-project (baseline) and post-project energy source,
    • Pre-project (baseline) and post-project annual energy consumption (in kWh), and
    • Estimated annual reduction of fossil fuel consumption (in kWh, if applicable)
    • Assessment to determine whether the design aligns with industry standards and whether the water supply and water licences are adequate to meet crop needs
    • Details on how the system can be improved to increase water use efficiency and performance for all components of irrigation systems, including water delivery and application
  • Any applicable worksheets from the BC Government’s Irrigation System Assessment Guide or the farm’s current Environmental Farm Plan
  • Details of the current water licence(s) for the farm property, as they appear on the water licence(s), including but not limited to:
    1. Maximum irrigated area
    2. Maximum quantity of water (annual water use)
    3. Maximum withdrawal rate (peak flow rate) permitted, if specified

The BC Sprinkler Irrigation Manual and the BC Trickle Irrigation Manual describe the standards for design, operation and maintenance of sprinkler and trickle irrigation systems appropriate for BC agriculture. Certified Irrigation Designers are required to follow these standards, as established by the Irrigation Industry Association of British Columbia, when providing professional services of agricultural irrigation system design for producers.

A copy of the water licence(s) must be provided by the funding applicant or retrieved through the Water Licence Search website. If the proposed project requires an additional water licence or amendment to an existing water licence, provide details on additional irrigated area, additional quantity of water, point(s) of diversion, purpose use, and other related information, as applicable, for the applicant to apply for a new water licence or water licence amendment (as part of the action plan).

Visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods website for required elements for Nutrient Management Plans.

The NMP training program will provide trainees with the expertise to use planning tools and produce NMPs as a service to farmers or for their own farm. For more details, please visit here.

Plan must include:

  • Completed Riparian Health Assessment (RHA)
  • Detailed farm and site description, including site maps showing riparian areas, proposed project locations, and treatment areas
  • Site photos showing existing conditions and proposed project areas
  • Any planning and decision support tools used (e.g., computer software, aerial photos)
  • Detailed management / restoration plan for the site including recommendations and estimated costs for:
    • Bioengineering solutions for erosion prevention and stream channel restoration, as applicable under BMP 1101; detailed engineering or design plans must be prepared by a QP
      • Habitat establishment and restoration projects (eligible under BMP 1002 and 1003), including:
        • Riparian planting plans (species selection, planting density, seeding recommendations, cost estimates)
        • Fencing plans (type, temporary/permanent, location, length, materials, cost estimates)
    • Infrastructure improvements, new installations, or maintenance (eligible under BMP 1001, 1006,1101), including:
      • Livestock watering systems
      • Stream crossings
  • Description of required authorizations (e.g., Section 11 notifications or permits under the Water Sustainability Act)
  • Prioritized actions and timelines
  • Maintenance plan

Riparian Management Field Workbook outlines the riparian assessment and offers separate factsheet information to guide producers in designing a riparian management plan to support the adoption of BMPs.

Plan must include:

  • Any planning and decision support tools used (e.g. computer software, aerial photos)
  • Maps and land resource information costs
  • Data collection, materials, sampling and analysis costs by consultant or designate
  • Design work by consultant for buffer layout, species selection and establishment costs
  • Consultant’s report
  • A document covering what was discussed during the producer and consultant’s final plan review

The Vegetative Buffer Management guide provides a definition of vegetative buffers, highlights the importance of vegetative buffers for local farms, lists the main principles in using and establishing vegetative buffers, and provides a template for developing a Vegetative Buffer Plan for farms in B.C. Plan requirements are listed in Section 8 of the guide (p. 55-56) and all components listed in the Plan Checklist must be included in the vegetative buffer plan. For additional guidance, you may reference the two included Sample Plans. (p. 57–88).

Plan must include:

  • Assessment of water supply to the farm (i.e., how the water is being managed on the farm for irrigation, livestock watering, and other farm water uses), as well as drainage and stormwater management. This includes assessment of existing water storage facilities for all farm water uses (e.g., dugouts), water supply sources, drainage channels/structures, and management of runoff/stormwater
  • Recommendations for water management improvements on the farm and specify whether additional water supply, water storage, drainage/runoff control, or water licences are recommended/required
  • Details of the current water licence(s) for the farm property, as they appear on the water licence(s), including but not limited to
    1. Maximum irrigated area
    2. Maximum quantity of water (annual water use)
    3. Maximum withdrawal rate (peak flow rate) permitted, if specified
  • Design and operation parameters should follow those identified in the BC Irrigation Management Guide, BC Agricultural Drainage Manual, and/or the EFP Drainage Management Guide
  • A complete Water Management Plan Checklist. This checklist is designed to support Qualified Professionals in preparing Water Management Plans for agricultural operations in BC. It outlines the essential components of sustainable water management planning to support the adoption of BMPs and ensure alignment with provinvial, federal and municipal regulatory requirements.
  • Assessment and design of irrigation systems are funded under Irrigation System Assessment or Design (2901), while assessments of water sources are funded under Agricultural Water Supply Assessment (1102 – Engineering or Technical Design or Assessment: Water/Riparian). Both activities (2901 and 1102) may be funded in conjunction with a Water Management Plan (2902) within the Plans and Designs category.

A copy of the water licence(s) must be provided by the funding applicant or retrieved through the Water Licence Search website. If the proposed project requires an additional water licence or amendment to an existing water licence, provide details on additional irrigated area, additional quantity of water, point(s) of diversion, purpose use, and other related information, as applicable, for the applicant to apply for a new water licence or water licence amendment (as part of the action plan).

Electronic Funds Transfer

Project payments are made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). To set up your EFT:

  1. Navigate to the “ORGANIZATIONS” heading on the grey Toolbar on the left side of the Client Portal. Click the subheading “Validated.” If hidden, click the arrow beside “ORGANIZATIONS” to reveal the three subheadings.
  2. The Organization(s) you represent will appear in the space to the right of the Toolbar. In that space, choose the relevant Organization whose EFT information you want to register.
  3. On the Organization, scroll down to the EFT Information section.
  4. Click the green + icon to the right of the heading “Bank Accounts.” This will open a pop-up window labeled Add a Bank Account.” In that pop-up, please provide the requested banking information, and click “Save“. Your newly created account will appear in the “Bank Accounts” section directly below the EFT Information section.
  5. Beneath “Bank Accounts,” click the newly created account. A pop up will appear.
  6. Click the green + icon to the right of the heading “Supporting Document Upload.” This will open a document upload pop-up. Please upload a copy of a void cheque or bank-supplied direct deposit form.
  7. At the bottom-right corner of the window, click “Save”.

If you have any questions about EFT or if you’re unable to set up your EFT, please contact finance@iafbc.ca.

Locating Your Banking Information

Your banking account information is found on the bottom of a void cheque. You will see a set of five numbers (the Branch/Transit number), a set of three numbers (the Institution Number), followed by a longer number (the Account Number). An image is provided to the right to assist you in locating these numbers.

If you do not have physical cheques, this information is accessible through most online banking applications. Simply select your account and look for an option to download a void cheque. Your bank is also able to provide you with these numbers at the teller.

Funding Acknowledgment

What is Funding Acknowledgement?

Funding acknowledgement is exactly what is sounds like, acknowledging the funders that are making your project possible. It’s important to the program funders that funding is appropriately acknowledged, and credit given on any public communications.

Not all projects produce materials that require funding acknowledgement, but if you make a social media post, newsletter update, media release, or other public project communications, the material must be submitted in advance of publication for review and approval. This includes any reports or publications you may complete. Not sure if you need to submit something? Contact communications@iafbc.ca for clarification.

Communications materials must be submitted to the IAF Client Portal at least 10 days prior to being needed. The approval is granted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, with the process being facilitated by IAF.

For a downloadable PDF of the funding acknowledgement requirements, see the resources section.

Funding Acknowledgement Process

  • 1

    Design Material
    Design project materials, include appropriate logos and/or credit line.

  • 2

    Submit Materials
    Submit your materials to IAF through the client portal at least 10 days in advance. IAF submits to funder for review.

  • 3

    Address Feedback
    IAF will provide you with the feedback received from the funders. If required, you may need to edit your material and re-submit for approval.

  • 4

    Receive Approval
    Once the material has been approved by the funder IAF will notify you to confirm that the material is approved for use.

  • 5

    Use Materials
    Once the approval has been given, you’re free to use the materials.

Funding Acknowledgement Requirements

Funding acknowledgements typically include logos (graphic identifiers), a credit line (written statement), and a disclaimer statement. Typically, the acknowledgement appears near the front of a report or publication, at the bottom of the table of contents, on an acknowledgement page or similar.

You must submit proofs of all communications materials in advance of being made public to IAF’s Communications Team. The communications team is here to help with questions about requirements for each type of material.

Submitting Materials for Approval

All materials must be approved in advance. It is important to submit materials well in advance of your distribution deadline, as it can take some time to review. We recommend you allow yourself 10 business days for approval, as IAF works with the government funder to ensure acknowledgement is appropriate.

How to Submit Materials Via the IAF Client Portal

To upload a material for review:

  • Visit the IAF Client Portal and log into your account.
  • Navigate to the Funding Acknowledgement section of your project (on the Project card, select Active).
  • Scroll down to the Funding Acknowledgement section, click the ‘green plus’, complete the information, and upload the related document or material.
  • When you click SAVE, it will automatically be submitted to the IAF Team to begin the review process.

The status of your request is available in the IAF Client Portal, on the left side near the bottom you will see a Funding Acknowledgement section. The section lists all your request under review, requiring your attention, approval and declined. You will receive an email to your inbox when updates are made.

Questions?

Not sure what to do with a certain marketing material? Where to put the logo and credit line?

We understand, it’s a lot of details. The Comms Team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

A funding acknowledgement is a way of recognizing that your project activities are being supported by funds provided by the federal and / or provincial government.

The three common items you will be asked to include are funder logos, credit lines and disclaimer statements. Exactly how you recognize this funding depends upon what you are communicating (the content), where you are communicating (geographical location of your audience) and how you are communicating (by what means).

Communication and marketing materials include, but are not limited to: product labels, packaging, menus, shelf danglers, sell sheets, brochures, flyers, product catalogs, print advertising (including billboards and vehicle wraps), posters, pop-up banners, recipe cards, shopping bags, aprons, placemats, static digital adverts, social media posts, press releases, newsletters (including digital and print), web pages, videos, scripts, TV advertising, Radio Advertising, media articles, advertorials, event invitations.

All of these materials, if part of your project, require an approval. Therefore you will need to follow the step-by-step guide for submitting your communications materials for approval.

All communication and marketing materials related to your project need to be approved to ensure that the Government Funders are acknowledged appropriately. They also need to be approved to ensure that funding recognition is applied in a uniform manner across project materials and across projects for the duration of the program.

Please reach out to finance(at)iafbc.ca and they can provide you with assistance.

Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Your approved set of activities and corresponding budget, as outlined in your Contribution Agreement.

The approved deliverables and/or items to be completed within your approved project.

The process for seeking approval of marketing / communications materials produced within the project.

For BCCAF, the Government of Canada, more specifically Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

A reimbursement claim, detailing expenses for your projects completed activities

The organization that is receiving funding from the program

Your final report includes your last expense claim for your project, as well as the completed “Activity Reporting” tab in the Reporting Template.

The portal you used to apply for funding. This portal is where you will access all information about your project including reporting and funding acknowledgement approval.

Still have questions?

We are here to support you through the process. We welcome any questions you may have.

Resources

2025/26 Beneficial Management Practices Program Guide

Download the 2025/26 Beneficial Management Practices Program Guide for reference.

Funding Acknowledgement Requirements

Download a PDF of the funding acknowledgment requirements for BMP.

Funder Logo Set

Download the logo set for communications materials.

IAF Client Portal

The client portal is where you will access everything relating to your project including reporting and funding acknowledgment approval.

3rd Party Use Form

Complete this form and include with materials that include the logos being submitted for comms approval.

Funding provided by:

SCAP Logo, IAF Logo, Province of BC Logo, Clean BC Logo, Government of Canada Logo

Funding for this program has been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a 3.5-billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.  The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.