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Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs BMPs

Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs BMPs2026-01-30T14:32:45-08:00

The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) category Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs provides funding for basic plans such as irrigation system assessments or design (2901) and water management plans (2902), as well as complex plans like engineering or technical design or assessments – water/riparian (1102).

To learn more about the BMP program, other BMP categories, program eligibility criteria, and/or notifications & obligations, please visit the BMP page.

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Category Details

Category Cost-Share Ratio Maximum Funding Project Length
Basic Plans 100% Varies by plan (see below) 90 days from Project Approval or by January 31, 2027, whichever is first.
Complex Plans 80% Up to $10,000 90 days from Project Approval or by January 31, 2027, whichever is first.
Complex Designs 80% Up to $20,000 90 days from Project Approval or by January 31, 2027, whichever is first.
Biogas Feasibility Studies 80% Up to $50,000 90 days from Project Approval or by January 31, 2027, whichever is first.
Extreme Weather: Plans & Assessments 80-100% Varies by plan (see below) 90 days from Project Approval or by January 31, 2027, whichever is first.

NOTE: If you require a specific timeframe to complete your project (example: soil testing in a Nutrient Management Plan must be completed in October), please request specific start & end dates when you apply. IAF staff are happy to accommodate start and end dates provided they fit within the program constraints.

To learn more about the requirements for professionals to complete a plan/assessment/design and/or to find a qualified professional, visit our Qualified Professionals page.

See below for activity details – please pay attention which sub-category (Basic Plans vs Complex Plans & Designs) the code you hope to apply for is in as you will need to select it when applying on the IAF Client Portal.

Basic Plans Activity Details:

Consultative services to develop nutrient management plans, planning and decision support tools designated for Nutrient Management Planning (as per The Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management).

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount: Up to $4,500 per plan.

Plan must include:

Eligible costs:

  • Laboratory analyses (e.g., manure, soil, leaf tissue or compost)
  • NMPs should include required elements (appropriate record keeping and reporting standards)
  • Estimated actual costs associated with development of plan must be submitted for review and approval

Completed by: The plan can be completed by a qualified professional on the verified contractors list or by a Qualified Professional who is a BCIA Professional Agrologist in good standing, has the appropriate reserved practice areas, and has completed the Ministry-approved Nutrient Management Plan training course.

Note: Raw laboratory nutrient data analysis–free of farm identification–will need to be saved for environmental health indicators reporting purposes.

Consultative services to develop integrated pest management plans, planning and decision support tools.

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount: Up to $3,000 per plan

Eligible costs:

Completed by: The plan can be completed by a qualified professional on the verified contractors list OR by a BCIA registrant in good standing with self-declared competency in the relevant reserved practice areas (e.g. Invasive Species and Pest Management, Crop Development, Production, and Management).

Checklist: IPM Checklist

Note: Limit of one plan per eligible farm operation.

Consultative services to develop range and grazing management plans, planning and decision support tools.

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount: Up to $3,000 per plan

Eligible costs:

  • Grazing management consultant must be approved by IAF to be eligible for reimbursement.
  • Grazing management plans must contain required elements of a plan. See the  Grazing Management Guide (page 26)
  • Actual costs associated with development of plan must be submitted for review and approval.

Completed by: The plan can be completed by a qualified professional on the verified contractors list OR by a BCIA registrant in good standing with self-declared competency in the relevant reserved practice areas (e.g. Rangeland and Grazing Management; Crop Development, Production, and Management; Livestock Development, Production, and Management; Agroforestry).

Note: Limit of two plans per eligible farm operation.

Reference Guide: Grazing management guide – Province of BC

Professional consultant services to create a biodiversity management plan.

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount: Up to $3,000 per plan

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

Guidance for this plan is derived from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s “Planning for Biodiversity: A Guide for BC Farmers and Ranchers”

Completed by: The plan can be completed by a qualified professional on the verified contractors list, by a BCIA registrant in good standing with self-declared competency in the relevant reserved practice areas. (e.g. Rangeland and Grazing Management; Agroforestry; Land Evaluation, Classification, Mapping, Conservation and Management; Invasive Species and Pest Management; Land Restoration, Reclamation and Remediation), OR a College of Applied Biologist (CAB) registrant in good standing with self-declared competency in relevant reserved areas of practice (e.g. Environment Management; Habitat or Ecosystem Restoration and Enhancement, Invasive Species Management; Wildlife management).

Reference Guide: Biodiversity guide – Province of BC

Connected to:

Professional consultant services by a Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) registered in good standing with the Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC) to assess existing irrigation systems and provide a recommendation on how to increase water use efficiency and irrigation system performance, and/or to complete an irrigation system design for new system installation and replacing/upgrading existing systems.

Note: The BMP program does not recognize certified irrigation designers from other provinces or countries (e.g., CIDs from the Irrigation Association in the United States).

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount: Up to $3,000 per combination of Irrigation System Assessment (existing systems only) and/or Irrigation System Design (new and existing systems)

  • An Irrigation System Assessment and an Irrigation System Design are required for producers who wish to replace or upgrade their existing irrigation systems.
  • Irrigation System Design only is required for producers who wish to install a new irrigation system for a crop that has not been irrigated previously but is intended to be. Irrigation system assessment is not required in this case.

For existing irrigation systems, an Irrigation System Assessment must evaluate system performance to ensure that:

  • The system is operated to match the crop, soil and weather conditions
  • The system is operated within the terms and conditions of current water licences
  • The design aligns with industry standards established by the IIABC

The Irrigation System Assessment must include recommendations on how system performance (including water use efficiency) can be improved by a minimum of 15% and if additional water licences/amendments are required to meet crop needs.

For new system installation or replacing/upgrading existing irrigation systems, an Irrigation System Design requires selecting equipment with performance (including best water use efficiency) that matches the crop, soil and weather conditions and the terms and conditions of current water licences. The design also includes recommendations on system operations, management, and maintenance, and if additional water supply or licences/amendments are required to meet crop needs.

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

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).

Connected to:

Professional consultant services’ plan for water management planning to deal with issues arising from excess water (stormwater and drainage), shortage of water supply, and other water-related issues resulting from climate change must be developed, signed and sealed by a Qualified Professional.

Note: Certified Irrigation Designers (CID) must be registered in good standing with the Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC). The BMP program does not recognize CIDs from other provinces or countries (e.g., CIDs from the Irrigation Association in the United States).

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount: Up to $4,500 per plan

A Water Management Plan evaluates farm water supply and demand. It provides recommendations for efficient and sustainable use of water. It includes a review of water licensing requirements to ensure adequate authorizations are in place for both current and projected future uses identified in the plan. 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

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).

  • 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
  • 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.

Completed by: The plan can be completed by a qualified professional on the verified contractors list, a BCIA registrant in good standing  with self-declared competency in relevant reserved practice areas (e.g.,  in Water Resource Planning and Management, a EGBC registrant in good standing with self-declared competency in relevant reserved areas of practice (e.g.,  Agricultural Irrigation and Drainage) OR a CID in good standing in either Agriculture Sprinkler or Agriculture Trickle.

Connected to:

Professional consultant services to develop a Riparian Management Plan (RMP) that:

  • Includes the completion of a new Riparian Health Assessment (RHA), or
  • Is based on an RHA previously completed through an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount:

  • Up to $2,000 for an RMP based on an existing (previously completed) RHA
  • Up to $3,000 for an RMP that includes a new RHA

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

Ineligible costs:

  • Time, effort and travel by the producer
  • Professional services not directly related to riparian health assessment and buffer strip planning
  • Field-specific agronomic practices (e.g. variable rate application of crop inputs)
  • Costs associated with developing engineer reports for drainage

Completed by: The plan can be completed by a qualified professional on the verified contractors list, a BCIA A registrant in good standing with self-declared competency in relevant reserved practice areas (i.e., in Rangeland and Grazing Management; Agroforestry; Land Evaluation, Classification, Mapping, Conservation and Management; Invasive Species and Pest Management; Land Restoration, Reclamation and Remediation) OR a registrant in good standing with the College of Applied Biologist (CAB registrant in good standing) with self-declared competency in relevant reserved areas of practice (i.e., Environment Management; Habitat or Ecosystem Restoration and Enhancement, Invasive Species Management; Wildlife management).

Connected to:

An RMP is strongly recommended when applying for the following BMP practice codes:

Reference Guides:

Professional consultant services to produce a shelterbelt, buffer or hedgerow vegetative buffer plan (VBP) based on a needs assessment generated during the EFP process.

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount: Up to $3,000 per plan

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

Ineligible costs:

  • Time, effort and travel by the producer
  • Professional services not directly related to the VBP

Completed by: The plan can be completed by a qualified professional on the verified contractors list, by a BCIA registrant in good standing with self-declared competency in the relevant reserved practice areas OR a CAB registrant in good standing with self-declared competency in relevant reserved practice areas (i.e., Ecology, Environment Management, Environment Impact Assessment, Habitat or Ecosystem Restoration and Enhancement; Invasive Species Management; Species at Risk Management.

Connected to:

Reference Guide: Vegetative buffer guide – Province of BC

Complex Plans & Designs Activity Details:

Assessment of existing earthen manure or agricultural by-product storage basins (lagoons) built before February 28th, 2019, by a qualified professional utilizing the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s guidance on responsible solid or liquid manure management practices.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $10,000 per plan

Eligible costs:

  • Site assessment by drilling
  • Analytical costs for soil or water
  • Report preparation

Ineligible costs:

  • Permanent monitoring equipment
  • Leak prevention supplies

Professional consultant services’ assessment and design of agricultural by-product manure treatment focusing on recovery of nutrients.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $20,000 per design

Professional consultant services’ assessment and design of farmyard run of control and/or management of stormwater to prevent clean water from being contaminated or prevent the release of contaminated water using the design and operation parameters identified in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s BC Agricultural Drainage Management Guide.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $20,000 per design

Connected to:

Professional consultant services’ assessment and design of outdoor livestock confinement areas while addressing protection of riparian areas and/or critical habitats. Engineering or technical design work should focus on the design of the new site as well as the decommissioning of the original site.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $20,000 per design

Engineering or technical design report and drawings to facilitate construction of composting facility, new liquid manure storage or modification of existing liquid manure storage. Can also include compost facility operational planning and monitoring information.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $10,000 per plan

Ineligible costs:

  • Construction materials
  • Monitoring equipment

Connected to:

Professional consultant services (by an accredited engineering consultant or a qualified professional in accordance with federal, provincial, and local government regulations and specifications) to complete assessment and design of:

  • Bioengineering projects to control erosion or restore stream channel function in riparian areas (e.g., earthworks, rip rap, erosion control dams, root wads, revetments, etc.)
  • Permanent stream crossing infrastructure (e.g., culverts, bridges) or permanent offsite livestock watering infrastructure (e.g., footings, piping, pumps)
  • Water storage structures (e.g., dugouts, dams, reservoirs) for agricultural water use purposes.
  • Dugout technical design plans
  • Dam engineering assessments, dam emergency plans, dam safety reviews, redetermination of consequence classification or any professional consultative services as required by the B.C. Dam Safety Regulation. Please contact the Dam Safety Program staff for details.
  • Engineering design or technical assessment required to support an application for a surface water/groundwater licence, use approval, or changes in and about a stream with an agricultural water use purpose (e.g., Environmental Flow Needs assessment, hydrogeological assessment, or other assessments).
  • Agricultural water supply assessment or feasibility study to determine available water supply to the farm. The components could include, but are not limited to:
    • Determination of current and future water demands
    • Assessment of currently available and viable future water supply sources and their points of diversion
    • Consideration of new or improved methodology or technology that promotes water use efficiency and is significant to provide long-term solutions to address current and/or anticipated water supply risks
    • Plan of future water infrastructure required to support those water demands that are not being met with the current water supply sources
    • Schematic/drawing that identifies the location of viable water supply options, and mechanisms and infrastructure required to deliver water from the water source(s) to support the farm water use
    • A detailed plan that includes the technical, environmental, financial, construction, and project management requirements that would be necessary to execute the construction plan

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $20,000 per design

Ineligible costs:

  • Construction services

Connected to:

¹While a technical design completed by a Qualified Professional is not a requirement for BMP funding under 0904, this may still be required by  the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship to support a water licence application for dugout water storage purposes. The Dugout Planning Checklist does not replace any technical designs required by Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. A technical design must still be completed by a Qualified Professional for water storage infrastructure regulated under the Dam Safety Regulation that is funded under BMP Practice Code 0903.

Professional consultant services’ assessment and design of agricultural by-product wastewater treatment focusing on recovery of nutrients.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $20,000 per design

Professional consultant services’ feasibility studies are required prior to the start of a project for practice code 3101.1.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $20,000 per design

Note: This practice code would only stand alone if the project does not proceed due to economic, technical, or environmental reasons.

Connected to:

Professional consultant services for on-farm energy efficiency assessments, alternative energy assessments, or pre-feasibility studies.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $10,000 per plan

Professional consultant services’ feasibility studies, engineering or technical design required prior to the start of a project for codes 3303 or 3304.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $20,000 per design

Note: This practice code would only standalone if the project does not proceed due to economic, technical, or environmental reasons.

Connected to:

Biogas Activity Details:

Consultative services to develop pre-feasibility, technical feasibility, or engineering design work for on-farm biogas systems. Projects must either reduce agricultural carbon dioxide emissions or reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $50,000

Eligible costs:

  • Assessments through feasibility studies and design of biogas systems to be integrated into on-farm waste management systems
  • Engineering or technical design report and drawings to facilitate construction of biogas systems
    • Focus should be on biogas systems and associated required infrastructure
    • Recovery of nutrients may be included if it is required to meet a regulated nutrient management plan (NMP)
  • Estimated costs associated with development of studies or design must be submitted for review and approval

Ineligible costs:

  • Costs and infrastructure for standalone manure storage systems

Extreme Weather Preparedness Activity Details:

FireSmart™ BC Farm & Ranch Assessment completed by an approved Local FireSmart™ BC Representative (LFR) or Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS) with FireSmart™ BC Farm & Ranch Training.

Cost-share ratio: 100%

Funding amount: Up to $2,000

Completed by: All qualified professionals must have completed the FireSmart BC Farm & Ranch Training Course (developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food) and hold a valid certificate of completion. They must also be included on the 2026 List of Verified/Approved EWP Farm & Ranch FireSmart Assessors prior to conducting any assessments.

Connected to:

Additional Resources:

Consultative services for planning, design, and authorizations of fill pad to raise existing farm structures (livestock barns, indoor aquaculture facilities, equipment storage, feed and crop storage, greenhouses) above 200-year flood level.

Cost-share ratio: 80%

Funding amount: Up to $15,000

Plan must include:

  • Declaration of pre-existing farm structure
  • Stamped fill design plans
  • Approval from ALC or confirmation that the project fits the criteria outlined in ALC Information Bulletin 07

Ineligible costs:

  • Any costs or works related to the acquisition or placement of fill
  • Any permit or application fees

Note: New residences in a floodplain (if allowed) are often required by local government building bylaws to be placed on a fill pad. Your local government staff will be able to tell you if they have such requirements in your area, if any permitting is involved, and what qualifications are needed to design/implement fill pads in your area (they may also have a list of contractors that meet those qualifications). Placing fill in the ALR will require either a ‘Notification’ if it meets specified criteria, or an ‘Application’ if it does not meet those criteria (both require extra time to allow the process to be completed). Depending on the location and size of your proposed fill pad, it may also affect the interests/mandates of other government agencies. For these reasons, it is a requirement that any fill projects be planned and designed by a Qualified Person before applying for funding for the on-farm work.

Connected to:

Additional Resources:

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must have:

  1. A valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)
    • Applicants applying for the Extreme Weather Preparedness category and associated plans and designs are not required to have an EFP.
    • EFPs are valid if they are less than 5 years old and reflect the current farm or ranch operation.
      • Please renew your EFP if it is more than 5 years old, or if there have been changes made to the farm/ranch that could have impact on environmental risk.
  1. Farm Status. Be a primary production agriculture business whose primary purpose is the production and sale of agricultural products and must be a BC registered business entity (including sole proprietor, partnership, corporations, cooperatives, Indigenous economic development corporations, and band-owned businesses).
  2. Premises ID, if livestock is raised.
  3. GST and CRA business number. Participants must be a taxable entity (e.g., individual, corporation, or trust), limited partnership, commune, cooperative with GST & business number, or First Nation Band.
  4. Main farmstead located in BC and file farm income tax (form T2042 or T1273) under the Income Tax Act in BC.
    • Licensed Aquaculture producers, vertical farm producers, and Federally licensed Cannabis or Hemp producers are exempt from meeting farm tax income requirements, however:
      • Aquaculture operations will have to provide their valid aquaculture license number.
      • Vertical farm producers must provide documentation demonstrating their farm businesses have achieved the minimum Farm Class Status Equivalent annual gross revenues for the sale of ‘agricultural products’ in the year prior to their application.
      • Cannabis or Hemp producers must provide proof of either their standard-cultivators, or industrial hemp license as issued by Health Canada under the Cannabis Act or Industrial Hemp Regulations. The personal production of medicinal cannabis is not eligible for this program.
  1. Complete the prerequisite activity(s), if required.
    • Some BMP activities require assessments, plans, or engineered designs that must be completed prior. Proof of completion must be submitted at the time of application.
      • Concurrent planning/design projects and on-farm equipment/infrastructure projects may be allowed in some cases where projects are not dependent on the final plan or design for the equipment/infrastructure activity or may be waived at the discretion of IAF on a case-by-case basis.

Important Details

  • Project activities should not commence prior to approval of the application; retroactive costs are not eligible.
  • A per-farm lifetime funding cap of $100,000 has been established for the duration of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) period, which runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. This cap applies across all BMP categories unless otherwise specified.
  • A portion of BMP Program funding is provided by CleanBC and is reserved for select activities that demonstrate a significant and measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or an increase in carbon sequestration. These eligible activities (or practice codes) are marked with a 🌱symbol. If funding is limited, projects eligible for CleanBC funding may be prioritized over projects that are not.
  • Applicants can only apply for each BMP activity (i.e., Practice Code) once per fiscal year. Example: Applicants may not apply to install a new irrigation system (Practice Code 1804) twice in one year.
  • Stacking funds from other government programs is permitted so long as the funding received from all government sources does not exceed 100% of project costs.
  • IAF has the authority to deny an application if there is evidence of misrepresentation of pertinent information.
  • The program policy sets a percentage maximum amount of government funds that can be used towards the total project costs. For the Sustainable CAP, this has been set at 100% of the total eligible costs of the BMP Project.
  • In-Kind costs are eligible in specific circumstances.

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

Unless specified in a BMP Practice Code, the following costs are ineligible:

  • GST
  • Fertilizer, seed, and crop protection products
  • Fees are permits, approvals, or legal activities
  • Typical farm equipment and related accessories or attachments (including tractors, skid steers, and trailers)
  • Costs of ongoing activities
  • Maintenance or repair costs
  • Financing charges, loan interest payments, bank fees
  • Maintenance or extended warranties on equipment, electronics, or technology purchases
  • New building construction, including sheds, barns, or storage (for products or by-products), unless specified under a BMP activity.
  • Expenses incurred before approval or expenses after the project completion date, unless consent is received from the program.
  • Monthly or annual subscription fees (e.g., satellite, cellular, or internet uplinks for data transmission) or monthly or annual rental fees for equipment (e.g., orchard heaters)
  • Costs associated with removing and disposing of old equipment (e.g., renting a crane to remove a decommissioned wind machine)
  • In-kind costs for the Planning, Technical Assessments and Engineered Designs category or the Extreme Weather Preparedness category.

How to Apply

Accessing the IAF Client Portal

To apply to the program, you must first create an IAF Client Portal account and register your organization by navigating to the IAF Client Portal and selecting “Create an account now.” Once you confirm you are a BC-based business/farm/individual, you will then need to Set up your Account and Register your Organization.

If you have applied to IAF-delivered program in the last few years you can skip this step!

This is the information needed for your account:

  • Name
  • Job Title
  • Phone Number
  • Email

This is the information needed for your organization to be validated:

  • Legal Organization Name (either Federal or BC)
  • Operating Name (if different from legal)
  • Organization Type (select from set options)
  • Organization Address, Email, Phone number, and website
  • Organization Registration Date (either Federal or BC)
  • Head Office Location
  • BC Registration ID (to look up your BC ID click here)
  • CRA Business Number
  • NAICS Code 6-digit (select from set options – click here for guide)
  • Primary Purpose of Operation (select from set options)
  • Sector Group (select from set options)
  • Brief Business Profile
  • Business & Signatory authentication (if applicable) – submit one of the following:
    • Preferred: BC Business Summary (Notice of Articles) listing you as an owner or director (e.g. Sample corporate summary)
    • Articles of Incorporation listing you as an owner or director
    • Shareholder summary listing you as an owner or director

IAF Client Portal emails are sent from do-not-reply.grants@fluxx.io, please save this as a contact in your email.

It can take up to two business days to validate your organization. If you haven’t received an email in 3 – 5 business days check your spam folder, then contact IAF.

Need help with IAF’s Client Portal?

We’ve created a number of tutorials and FAQs about the IAF Client Portal to help guide you in creating an account, registering your organization, starting your application, and more!

Starting your BMP Application

You can start (i.e., draft, edit & view) your application prior to submitting (see the Application Dates above). IAF encourages applicants to include only activities they are confident will be completed on time and within budget limits.

To find the application, navigate to the ‘Opportunities’ tab in IAF Client Portal and select the appropriate program. A BMP application generally consists of:

This section is where you will provide program-relevant organization information that was not collected when you registered your organization with IAF. For BMP, this includes:

  • Select the Organization Name applying for the funding (relevant if you have more than one farm)
  • Primary and Secondary Contact Information
  • Business Type
  • Farm Status
  • Premises ID (if applicable)
  • Confirm the following is accurate:
    • CRA Business Number
    • Organization Type
    • Sector Group
    • Primary Purpose
    • Organization Registration Date

As this program is funded under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, you are required to provide additional demographic information. The demographic information is collected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and must be done before submitting your application. To provide your demographic information:

  • Start drafting your application in the IAF Client Portal.
  • Copy your application ID (it will be provided to you at the Demographic data section of the application or see the top of your application form). You will need to put this ID into the Ministry’s form.
  • Visit the Ministry’s webpage through the link on the application and complete the form. (Note: this will open a new browser tab).
  • Once the form is complete, copy the Ministry’s confirmation number and enter it into the application form. It should look something like this AB 123456

Note: Demographic information will not be used to assess eligibility for the program.

  • Provide your EFP Workbook Number*
  • Your EFP Advisor’s Name
  • Farm Name on the EFP Statement of Completion
  • Project summary:
    • Farm breakdown by hectares
    • Brief overview of the environmental issues this project will address
    • Description of your project, steps to complete your project
    • List of materials and equipment needed
    • Contractors you plan on using
    • Start & end dates of your project – this is especially important if your project is only viable between certain dates because of weather or farm operations. IAF staff are happy to accommodate start and end dates provided they fit within the program constraints.

*An EFP is not required for Extreme Weather Preparedness category applications.

Break down your project costs into the applicable project codes. If your application has multiple activities that would fit under two or more practice codes, please include a budget summary in your project documents that outlines what quoted costs reflect your selected project codes.

Review and sign the terms and conditions for applying to an IAF-delivered program.

The following documents should be submitted with your application:

  • Mandatory
    • Property Assessment Notice (current year)
    • Legal Lease Agreement/Proof of Ownership
    • Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Statement of Completion
      • Reminder: An EFP is not required for Extreme Weather Preparedness projects
    • Quotes for the work to be completed
  • If Applicable
    • Supporting Lease Documentation
    • Proof of water license for proposed use
    • Water license for the proposed storage volume
    • Plan, assessment and/or technical design
    • Assessment/Approval/authorization from the Dam Safety Program staff
    • Change approval to make changes in and about a stream easement
    • Maps/Sketch/Photos
Helpful Hints 

IAF recommends clicking ‘Save’ frequently as you work on your application in case of an unexpected disconnection. Once you are finished editing, click ‘Save and Close’ to minimize the editing panel and take you back to looking over your application.

Submit an application: Click ‘Save and Close’ when you are finished editing your application. Then click ‘Submit’. The ‘Submit’ button will only appear from the date and time of Submission Open to Application Close.

Book a Call

Starting on February 25, 2026, you can book a 10-minute phone consultation with an IAF staff member to discuss your BMP Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs application.

Prior to booking an appointment, you must start your draft application and provide the ID number (BMP-202425-0####). This gives you and the IAF staff member a specific application to reference and provide support for during the 10-minute phone call.

Applicants are limited to one phone call appointment.

Notifications & Obligations

Upon submission, all BMP applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis (unless prioritized activities are present, see below). Applications are screened and reviewed by IAF. This review and adjudication involves:

  • Ensuring application completeness.
  • Organization/Applicant eligibility check.
  • Project alignment and eligibility check.

IAF staff will return incomplete applications to applicants via the IAF Client Portal for resubmission with missing information/clarifications requested.

Water Infrastructure Prioritization

For 2026/27 select BMP activities are prioritized for funding within the Water Infrastructure category. On the first-come, first-served basis, IAF will review and adjudicate eligible applications for the prioritized activities prior to reviewing and adjudicating the remaining activities. Pending available funding, IAF will adjudicate the remaining activities first-come, first-served.

For a list of prioritized activities, see BMP Activities above, or the Appendix for the Water Infrastructure category.

CleanBC Funding Prioritization

A portion of BMP Program funding is provided by CleanBC and is reserved for BMP activities that demonstrate a significant and measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or an increase in carbon sequestration (marked with a 🌱 symbol). For 2026/27 if funding is limited (i.e. only CleanBC funding remains), projects eligible for CleanBC funding may be prioritized over projects that are not.

IAF will contact the applicant with the details of a funding decision and any associated terms and conditions by email via the IAF Client Portal.

Funding decisions for complete applications will be communicated to an applicant within 8 weeks of a complete application submission. If funding is fully committed, applications may be placed on a waitlist pending additional funding becoming available.

Funding is application and project specific. It must be used for the approved project and related expenses, and it is non-transferable.

Successful applicants must complete a project report prior to receiving funds from the program. This report must be filled out and submitted via the IAF Client Portal with all invoices to be considered for funding reimbursement. It is important the final report is submitted on time and with all required information. Expenses will be reimbursed based on submitted receipts, the approved project budget and the corresponding cost-share ratio. All reporting will be completed via the IAF Client Portal.

Reminder: Retroactive costs are not eligible with the BMP program. Receipts or invoices dated prior to project approval will be declined.

This program is funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. As such, acknowledgement of funding is required when publicly communicating about a project and/or funding. To ensure appropriate acknowledgement, all communications and marketing materials, including public announcements or social media posts, must be pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team. Materials can be submitted via the IAF Client Portal.

Project Profiles & Successes

Apply to Planning, Technical Assessments and Engineered Designs

Application Open: February 25, 2026
Submission Open: March 18, 2026, at 9 am
Application Close: Ongoing until funding is fully subscribed

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Resources

Beneficial Management Practices Program Guide

Download the Beneficial Management Practices Program Guide.

Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs Appendix

Download the Beneficial Management Practices Program Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs Appendix.

Need a Contractor?

IAF has assembled a list of verified contractors that are able to help execute your plan/design.

Land Owner Statement

Download the Land Owner Statement for the Beneficial Management Practices Program.

Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Water Licences and Approvals Guide

Visit the Ministry’s website for their water licence and approval guide.

Funding Acknowledgement Requirements

Download the Funding Acknowledgement Requirements for the Beneficial Management Practices Program.

Have an Active Project?

Please visit the program’s Project Resource Hub for more information.

Have a Question?

Contact the IAF Team

Please note: the Government of BC may, from time to time, give instructions to IAF in relation to the delivery and administration of this program. IAF must and will comply with those instructions.

Funding for these programs have been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by CleanBC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).

The Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) is honoured to reside and operate across traditional and unceded Indigenous territories throughout British Columbia.

© Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. All rights reserved.

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