The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) category Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs provides funding for basic plans such as irrigation system assessments (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
Cost-Shared Ratios:
- Basic Plans: 100%
- Complex Plans & Designs: 80%
- Biogas: 80%
- Extreme Weather Preparedness: 80-100%
Maximum funding amount: Varies by plan. See the details in Plans, Technical Assessments, and Engineered Designs Appendix
Applications Accepted:
Project Length: 90 days from Project Approval
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 $3,000 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
Note: Raw laboratory nutrient data analysis– free of farm identification – will need to be saved for environmental health indicators reporting purposes.
Connected to:
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) and relative to any high-risk locations or environments as indicated by the Vulnerable Aquifer Recharge Areas map or a farm’s Environmental Farm Plan.
Cost-share ratio: 100%
Funding amount: Up to $6,000 per plan
Plan must include
Eligible costs:
- Laboratory analyses (e.g. manure, soil, leaf tissue or compost) as part of the eligible costs of the nutrient management plan
- 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
Note: Raw laboratory nutrient data analysis– free of farm identification – will need to be saved for environmental health indicators reporting purposes.
Connected to:
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:
- IPM consultant must be approved by IAF to be eligible for reimbursement.
- IPM plans must contain required elements of a plan as designated by the Government of British Columbia.
- Actual costs associated with development of plan must be submitted for review and approval
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
- Actual costs associated with development of plan must be submitted for review and approval
Note: Limit of two plans per eligible farm operation.
Connected to:
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1004 – Rejuvenation and enhancement of sensitive areas through revegetation and restoration or disturbed areas
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1005.1 – Improved grazing management of tame pasture
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1005.2 – Improved grazing management of native pasture
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”
Connected to:
Professional consultant services by a Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) from the Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC) to assess existing irrigation systems and provide an action plan on how to increase water use efficiency and irrigation system performance.
Note: The BMP program does not recognize certified irrigation designers from elsewhere.
Cost-share ratio: 100%
Funding amount: Up to $3,000 per plan
Plan 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
- Assessment of the existing irrigation system 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
- 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)
- 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:
-
- Maximum irrigated area,
- Maximum quantity of water (annual water use), and
- 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 (e.g., Professional Agrologist, Professional Engineer, or Certified Irrigation Designer with education and work experience in agricultural water use).
Note: Certified Irrigation Designer must be registered in good standing with the Irrigation Industry Association of BC (IIABC). The BMP program does not recognize certified designers from elsewhere.
Cost-share ratio: 100%
Funding amount: Up to $6,000 per 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
- Maximum irrigated area,
- Maximum quantity of water (annual water use), and
- 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
Connected to:
Professional consultant services to produce a riparian management plan based on a needs assessment from Riparian Health Assessments (RHA) generated during the EFP process.
Cost-share ratio: 100%
Funding amount: Up to $3,000 per plan
Plan must include:
- Results of previously done Riparian Health Assessment (RHA)
- Any planning and decision support tools used (e.g. computer software, aerial photos)
- Maps and land resource information costs
- Data collection, materials and sampling and analysis costs by consultant
- Design work by consultant for water course and wetland areas and riparian buffer strip projects.
- 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 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
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
Connected to:
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:
- Any riparian structures (i.e., culverts, dams, bridges, revetments, root wads, fencing, off- stream watering, bank stabilization planting)
- Water storage structures (e.g., dugouts, dams, reservoirs) for agricultural water use purposes.
- Dugout technical design plans
- Note: In cases where a QP is optional[1] (i.e. the water storage infrastructure is not regulated under the Dam Safety Regulation), applicants have the option to either complete and submit the Dugout Planning Checklist to fulfill the pre-requisite for BMP 0904 (in which case, BMP 1102 funding is not applicable) OR apply for BMP 1102 to hire a QP in completing the dugout technical design. For further information, please refer to:
- 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 by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship 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 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 mechanism 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:
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1001 – Alternative watering systems to manage livestock
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1002 – Creation or widening of buffers adjacent to surface water sources
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1003 – Fencing to manage and improve riparian condition and function
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1004 – Rejuvenation and enhancement of sensitive areas through revegetation and restoration or disturbed areas
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1006 – Improved stream crossings
- Riparian & Grazing project code 1101 – Erosion control and riparian habitat structures
- Water Infrastructure project code 0903 – Dams and reservoirs – new and existing
- Water Infrastructure project code 0904 – Dugouts – new and existing
[1] While 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 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™ Farm & Ranch Assessment completed by an approved Local FireSmart™ Representative (LFR) or Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS).
Cost-share ratio: 100%
Funding amount: Up to $2,000
Connected to:
- Extreme Weather Preparedness project code 3602 – FireSmart™ BC Farm Building Retrofits
- Extreme Weather Preparedness project code 3603 – FireSmart™ BC Critical Farm Structures
- Extreme Weather Preparedness project code 3604 – FireSmart™ BC Addressing Vegetation & Combustible Materials
Additional Resources:
- To learn more and to find a qualified individual to complete the assessment: Farm and Ranch Wildfire Preparedness
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 $50,000
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:
- Extreme Weather Preparedness project code 3704.2 – Fill Pad for Farm Buildings
Additional Resources:
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Have an EFP that is less than 5 years old and reflects the current farm or ranch operation.
- The EFP must be renewed if it is more than 5 years old, or if there have been changes made to the farm or ranch operation that could have impacted the environmental risk.
- For the 2025/26 fiscal year, a grace period of up to 6 months is in place for EFPs if a renewal is unable to be completed for reasons beyond the applicant’s control. Please confirm with IAF if you are eligible for the EFP grace period.
- Applicants applying for the Extreme Weather Preparedness category and associated plans and designs are not required to have an EFP.
- 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). Applicants to the program must have farm status and, if you raise livestock, a premises ID.
- Be a taxable entity (e.g., individual, corporation, or trust), limited partnership, commune, cooperative with a GST and business number, or First Nation Band
- Have their main farmstead in British Columbia and file farm income tax (form T2042 or T1273) under the Income Tax Act in British Columbia*
- *Licensed Aquaculture producers, and Federally licensed Cannabis or Hemp Producers are exempt from having to meet criteria #3. However, Aquaculture operations will have to provide their valid aquaculture license number, while Cannabis or Hemp producers must provide proof of either their standard-cultivators, micro-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.
- Have completed the prerequisite activities required for the activities applied for.
- Some BMP activities require assessments, plans, or engineered design that must be completed prior.
- Prerequisites must be completed and submitted before beginning a project.
- 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.
Additional Requirements & Notices
- Projects activities should not commence prior to approval of the application; retroactive costs are not eligible.
- Beginning in 2025/26, a per-farm lifetime funding cap of $100,000 has been established for the duration of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) period, which runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. This cap applies across all BMP categories unless otherwise specified. Exceptions:
- For the 2025/26 program year, the BMP: Water Infrastructure category has a higher per-farm cap of $200,000.
- For the 2025/26 program year, the BMP: Extreme Weather Preparedness category has a separate annual per-farm cap of $50,000
- 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 of funds from other government programs is permitted so long as the funding received from all government sources does not exceed 100% of project costs.
Ineligible Activities and Expenses
Unless specified in a BMP Practice Code, the following costs are ineligible:
- GST
- Fertilizer, seed, and crop protection products
- Fees for 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 storages (for products or by-products)
- 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)
Program policy sets a percentage maximum amount of government funds which can be used towards the total project costs. For the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this has been set at 100% of the total eligible costs of the BMP Project.
The Program shall have the authority to deny an application if there is evidence of misrepresentation of pertinent information.
Applying to the Program
Accessing the IAF Client Portal
REMINDER: Do not wait to start this process – it can take up to two business days to validate your organization!
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 complete two sections:
This is the information needed for your account:
- Name
- Job Title
- Phone Number
This is the information needed for your organization to be validated in the IAF Client Portal:
- 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)
- Region (select from set options)
- Brief Business Profile
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.
Starting your Application
Applicants are invited to start (i.e. draft, edit & view) their application prior to the submission window opening. Applicants are encouraged to include only activities they are confident will be completed on time and within budget limits.
To find the application navigate to the ‘Funding Opportunities’ tab in the IAF Client Portal and select the appropriate program. When filling out your application you will complete six sections:
This section is where you will provide program-relevant organization information that were not collected when you registered your organization with IAF. For BMP this includes:
- Organization Name (select the organization applying for funding)
- Primary and Secondary Contact Information
- Business Type
- Farm Status
- Premises ID (if applicable)
- Opportunity to 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 in the application form. It should look something like this AB123456
Note: Demographic information will not be used to assess eligibility for the program.
This section will require:
- Your EFP Workbook Number (unless applying
- Your Planning Advisor’s Name
- Name on EFP Statement of Completion
- This should be the same as your legal operation name, if not, please upload supporting documentation such as a certificate of incorporation, or a name change certificate, or download and complete a copy of our landowner statement.
Please note: An Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is not required for Extreme Weather Preparedness projects; however, certain prerequisites apply for some categories within the program.
After, you will be asked for a project summary that will require information such as your farm breakdown by hectares, a brief overview of the environmental issues this project will address, a description of your project, steps to complete your project, a list of materials and equipment needed, contractors you plan on using, and start & end dates of your project.
Break down your project costs into the applicable project codes. If your proposed project has multiple components that would fit under two or more practice codes, please include a budget summary in your project documents that specifies what quoted costs reflect your selected project codes.
This section is where you will review and sign the terms and conditions for applying to an IAF 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 licence for proposed use
- Water licence for proposed storage volume
- Water Management Plan and/or Irrigation system 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
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.
New This Year! Book a Call
Starting on the Application Open date for each category, you can book a 10-minute phone consultation with an IAF staff member to discuss your BMP 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.
Review and Adjudication
Applications will be accepted on set open and close dates or until funding is fully committed. Upon submission of an application, all BMP applications will be reviewed under the first-come, first-served model for 2025/26 intakes. Project applications are screened and reviewed by IAF. This review 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.
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!
Want to speak to someone regarding your application?
Email us with your application questions or call us at 250.940.6150 to speak to a member of the IAF Team.
Notifications & Obligations
Review and Adjudication
Applications will be accepted on set open and close dates or until funding is fully committed. Upon submission of an application, all BMP applications will be reviewed under the first-come, first-served model for 2025/26 intakes. Project applications are screened and reviewed by IAF. This review 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.
Funding Notifications & Contracts
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 applicants 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.
Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants must complete a final report before 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 that the final report is submitted on time and with all required information. Expenses will be reimbursed based on the submitted receipts, the approved project budget, and the corresponding cost-share ratio. All reporting will be completed via the IAF Client Portal.
Funding Acknowledgements
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.
Changes to Contracted Projects
If you are not able to complete your project or require a change, please inform the IAF Team as soon as possible using the IAF Client Portal.
Project Profiles & Successes
Sara and Matthew Augustine
Elizabeth Kaplan2025-06-02T13:39:16-07:00May 8, 2025|
Black Cat Crossing Farm
Elizabeth Kaplan2025-06-02T13:22:34-07:00May 8, 2025|
Blue Magic Greenhouses Ltd
Elizabeth Kaplan2025-06-02T13:22:15-07:00May 8, 2025|
Apply to the BMP Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs category
The Extreme Weather Preparedness sub-category will be opening alongside the BMP EWP category.
Application Open: October 1, 2025 | Submissions Open: October 8, 2025 at 9 AM PST
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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 Licenses and Approvals Guide
Visit the Ministry’s website for their water license 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.
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).
