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Beneficial Management Practices Program

Beneficial Management Practices Program2024-07-31T09:22:24-07:00

The Beneficial Management Practices Program (BMP) is an on-farm cost-share incentive program to assist farm and ranch operations in mitigating the risks identified in their associated Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). 

Welcome to the BMP Program! To participate in this program, you will need to have a valid (less than 5 years old) and completed Environmental Farm Plan. If you do not have a valid and completed EFP, please see the program’s webpage to start the process. 

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Area of Interest:

Jump to:

Getting Started

BMP Categories

FVF Funding

Notifications & Obligations

Resources

Program Goal

To increase the adoption of technology and practices to mitigate high-risk activities or emerging challenges by promoting agricultural sustainability, climate mitigation, and climate adaptation practices that contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Background

The BMP Program is a five-year investment program funded by federal, provincial, and territorial governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), with $3.5 million available in 2024/25 to help producers contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment with projects that improve: waste management, air quality control, emissions control, soil and riparian integrity, and environmental impacts.

IAF will deliver funding to farmers and ranchers for completing two types of projects: planning/design projects and on-farm equipment/infrastructure projects. Planning/design projects facilitate the on-farm adoption of practices or technologies, and the latter type should facilitate the sustained adoption (ongoing implementation) of practice or technology.

In turn, the ongoing implementation of the practice or technology will improve one or more of the outcomes related to climate change mitigation, environmental performance, or climate change adaptation.

Getting Started with the BMP Program

A complete and up-to-date Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is needed to access Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program funding and address EFP-determined areas of improvement on your farm.

Once your EFP is completed it will be valid for 5 years or until a significant farm change has occurred, at which point your EFP will need to be renewed. While your EFP is valid you are eligible to apply for all BMP categories and receive funding to tackle projects and hire qualified professionals.

The Beneficial Management Practices program is split into seven categories:

  • Plans, Technical Assessments or Engineered Designs
    • This category is for funding any prerequisites required by the other BMP project-oriented categories
  • Biodiversity Projects
  • Energy & Fuel Efficiency Projects
  • Nutrient & Waste Management Projects
  • Riparian & Grazing Projects
  • Soil Carbon Projects
  • Water Infrastructure Projects

First, see what category you should apply to first by viewing the prerequisites for the project code you wish to apply for. Then collect the necessary documents needed for your project and apply during its intake window.

Subscribe to IAF’s program newsletter, Growing Today, or one of our program-specific newsletters to hear when the BMP program is set to open. The BMP program is a multi-year funding opportunity that accepts applications via annual intakes. If you cannot make one intake, you can always apply in the next intake.

Pre-requisite Category

This category is for funding any pre-requisites plans, assessments, and designs that your project may require.

Planning, Technical Assessments or Engineered Designs

Apply and submit your Plans & Designs BMP application(s) beginning on March 12, 2024, at 9 AM and ongoing until funding is fully allocated.

learn about eligibility

Project Categories

This category is for funding your project, take a look at the project codes to see if you require any pre-requisites to be completed. If so – look for funding for those prerequisites in the planning, technical assessments, or engineered designs category.

Biodiversity

Application window opens on January 30, 2024

Submission window: February 13, 2024 at 9 AM to February 20, 2024 at 4 PM

learn about eligibility

Energy & Fuel Efficiency

Application window opens on February 27, 2024

Submission window: March 12, 2024 at 9 AM to March 18, 2024 at 4 PM

learn about eligibility

Nutrient & Waste Management

Application window opens on January 30, 2024

Submission window: February 13, 2024 at 9 AM to February 20, 2024 at 4 PM

learn about eligibility

Riparian & Grazing

Application window opens on January 30, 2024

Submission window: February 13, 2024 at 9 AM to February 20, 2024 at 4 PM

learn about eligibility

Soil Carbon

Application window opens on February 27, 2024

Submission window: March 12, 2024 at 9 AM to March 18, 2024 at 4 PM

learn about eligibility

Water Infrastructure

Application window opens on April 2, 2024

Submission window: April 15, 2024 at 9 AM to April 19, 2024 at 4 PM

learn about eligibility

Approach

Upon submission of an application, all BMP applications will be reviewed under the first-come, first-serve model for 2024/25 intakes. Project applications are screened and reviewed by IAF. This review involves:

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

Applications will be accepted on set open and close dates (see below) or until funding is fully committed. IAF will complete adjudication and notification of funding within eight weeks of the application close date.

Projects may receive from $10K to $200K in cost-shared funding, depending on their activities and budgets. Projects are expected to be completed by the set deadline per the specific project categories:

The BMP program expects to commit a target of $7.4M through the 2024/25 BMP intakes. Breakdown of funding:

The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) allotment for 2024/25 is $4.5 million.

The Flood Mitigation for Fraser Valley Farmers (FVF) Program has also allocated up to $3.1 million in funding into BMPs (indicated with: * and orange text) within a prioritized geographic area (click here to see the map for qualification) of which a target of up to $2.9M will be used toward eligible BMPs in 2024/25.

Fraser Valley Flood Mitigation Program Details

The Fraser Valley Flood Mitigation program provides BMP funding to Fraser Valley agricultural producers at high-risk of flooding for solution-focused flood mitigation projects including riparian and ecosystems/habitat restoration.

The Fraser Valley Flood Mitigation Program (FVF) is a multi-year, up to $20M program funded by the Government of BC through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (AF) and delivered by IAF.

Eligibility Criteria for Fraser Valley Flood: On-Farm Mitigation Projects

The Fraser Valley Flood Mitigation Program consists of two streams of funding. Stream 2 funding targets on-farm flood resiliency projects (aka BMPs) for farmers located within the high-risk flood zones in the Fraser Valley.

To simplify the application process for producers, the Fraser Valley Flood Program Stream 2 funding is accessed via the BMP applications, meaning if you are eligible for FVF on-farm funding, your eligible BMP costs will automatically bump up to a 90% cost-shared ratio up to the funding caps shown.

Eligible Participants:

To be considered eligible for this stream, an applicant must be located in the Province of British Columbia and must be a commercial agricultural producer or primary processor.

Operations need to be in the following electoral geographical areas:

  • Fraser Valley Regional District
  • BC Electoral Areas B-H
  • Hope
  • Kent
  • Harrison Hot Springs
  • Chilliwack
  • Mission
  • Abbotsford
  • Township of Langley

AND

be located within the designated areas identified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food depicted in blue on this map.

Eligible Activities:

Eligible BMPs are indicated with * and Orange text.

Ineligible Participants:

  • Non-commercial farms

Ineligible Activities and Expenses:

  • Flood recovery activities that would be eligible for support through insurance, disaster assistance or Agri-Recovery.
  • Projects that shift flood risk to others.

Funding Details:

  • Funding Maximum: $10,000 – $100,000
  • Cost Shared Ratio: 90%
  • Funding Reimbursement: When project and final report are complete.

For full FVF details, including details about Stream 1, please visit the program page at https://iafbc.ca/fraser-valley-flood/

Applications

Applicants will apply through the IAF Client Portal. REMINDER: Do not wait to start this process – it can take up to two business days to validate your organization!

The application process will consist of:

REMINDER: Do not wait to start this process – it can take up to two business days to validate your organization!

  • Go to IAF’s Client Portal
  • Create a personal profile (name and email)
  • Provide organization information, including:
    • Name
    • Contact details
    • Type of organization
    • BC ID / CRA numbers
    • Primary contact
    • And more

Select the Beneficial Management Practices Program from Funding Opportunities, and provide:

  • Applicant type
  • Project start & end dates
  • Alignment with program priorities
  • Description of key activities, who will oversee/undertake work, and timeline
  • Demonstrate how all technical, environmental, regulatory standards and/or requirements (as applicable) are met.
  • Copies of relevant documents (e.g., permits, licensing, CBA, documentation from Dam Safety or Water Authorization Program staff)
  • Performance measurement information
  • Funding request / project budget
  • and more!

Applicants may be required to provide supplementary materials in support of their application (e.g., budget, water licence, change approval). These documents can be uploaded through the IAF Client Portal as attachments to the application.

IAF staff are available to answer questions regarding eligible activities, costs and/or the application process. IAF may also contact applicants for additional information or clarification to assess their application. Applicants can contact bmp@iafbc.ca with any questions about the program or to receive support in developing their application.

Applicants are encouraged to include only activities they are confident will be completed on time and within budget limits.

Need help with IAF’s Client Portal?

We’ve created a number of tutorials and FAQs about the IAF Client Portal to help you navigate this resource successfully.

Demographic Information

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 prior to 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.

Review and Adjudication

Upon submission of an application, all BMP applications will be reviewed under the first-come, first-serve model for 2024/25 intakes. Project applications are screened and reviewed by IAF Staff. This review involves:

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

Applications will be considered until all available funding is committed. All decisions regarding application status are final. All applicants will receive a funding decision email from IAF.

Notifications & Obligations

Funding Notifications & Contracts

If the project is approved, IAF will inform the applicant of the details of the decision and any associated terms and conditions by email within eight weeks of the application close date or the submission of the application if in the case of an ongoing intake window.  

Should incomplete applications be returned to applicants via the IAF Client Portal for resubmission with missing information/clarifications requested, IAF will complete adjudication and provide notification of funding decisions within eight weeks of application resubmission. 

Funding is application and project-specific and must be used for the approved project and related expenses. Funds are non-transferable.  Retroactive costs will not be considered.  

Projects funded in 2024 may begin on or after April 1, 2024, and must be completed by set dates determined by category. If the project is not approved, the applicant will receive a written response from IAF. 

 

Changes to Contracted Projects

Once a project is approved, it must be completed as per the application and approval unless written communication from the Program agrees to changes to the project. Projects may be subject to cancellation if they are not completed as approved. This applies to equipment purchases and construction projects. Projects that require planting of any form of vegetation (i.e., tree or shrubs) as vegetative buffers or riparian plantings must be based on the approved planting designs in required management plans and/or approved plans and description in the project application. 

Funding Acknowledgement

This program is funded by the Government of BC and/or Canada, 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.

Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants must complete a final report prior to receiving funds from the program. This report must be filled out and submitted to IAF along with all invoices for the project 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.

Project Profiles & Successes

General policy statements and conditions for the BMP Program

The following BMP Policies are subject to revision during the life of the Sustainable CAP Agreement which began on April 1, 2023

In addition to a valid EFP statement of completion and current BC property assessment notice, cost estimates or quotes are required for all projects.

  • Management plans or designs as required.
  • Legible sketches or drawings with labels indicating layout and details of projects are required for all projects related to planting of vegetation, fence or livestock watering installations, irrigation system installation and any construction projects (e.g., buildings or other structures).

Where neighbouring producers in an area work together to resolve a defined environmental issue, participants may be eligible for an alternate funding arrangement.

  • Individual projects: Where projects are implemented as a collaborative effort by two or more producers working together to resolve a defined environmental issue.
    • If approved, projects would be funded based on Project Code criteria plus an incentive premium equivalent to a 10% lift in the individual practice code cost share up to the Practice Code Cap.
    • Applications need to identify the environmental issue and the neighbouring operations that are working to resolve the issue. Applications must be received within the same program year.
  • Pooled Projects: Where the project occurs at an individual location but is shared by two or more producers.

Pooled Project Guidelines:

  • All applicants must have a current Statement of Completion.
  • Applicants or agent must consult IAF Program staff.
  • Applicants and Program staff must agree that a pooled project may be the most appropriate and cost-effective approach to developing the BMP.
  • All applicants will obtain all necessary regulatory approvals, including any required environmental assessment as a group.
  • Applicants will apply for Canadian Agricultural Partnership BMP funding based on actual individual costs of the total project.
  • Applications and invoices for pooled projects must clearly indicate the participants in the project and the share of the total project cost each applicant is responsible for.

All businesses from which goods or services are purchased must be at Arm’s Length from the applicant, meaning not related to the applicant, not affiliated with the applicant, or controlled in any way by the applicant.

Any projects cancelled by the applicant or that exceed the time deadline are considered cancelled. Any materials or services obtained for a cancelled project are not eligible for payment if a new application is received later. A previously started but cancelled project is eligible for further consideration, however, all costs incurred for materials or services under the previous application will be ineligible for funding under the new application.

Federally licensed Cannabis or Hemp Producers are exempt from having to have a valid “Farm Class” land as designated by the BC Assessment Authority as stated in Section 1 of the BMP Policy and Conditions. However, 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, as well as licensed cannabis producers must provide their Standard Operating Procedures as approved by Health Canada. The personal production of medicinal cannabis is not eligible for this program.

These are valid for the 2023-2024 BMP Program Year; however, they are subject to revision.

Once a project is approved it must be completed as per the application and approval unless written communication from the Program agrees to changes to the project. Projects may be subject to cancellation if they are not completed as approved. This applies to equipment purchases and construction projects. Projects that require planting of any form of vegetation (i.e., tree or shrubs) as vegetative buffers or riparian plantings must be based on the approved planting designs in required management plans and/or approved plans and description in the project application.

Funding is designated to change practices on existing farm or ranch operations where an undesirable environmental risk(s) has been identified in the EFP. It is not designed for the development of new farm or ranch operations or to incent a change in enterprise type. The practice to be changed must have been in existence on the operation at the time of completion of the Environmental Farm Plan. The BMP funding is designated to make necessary changes to existing operations or practices that are impacting water quality, quantity, soil health, air quality, biodiversity, or climate change.

A detailed quote and CV are required from the preparer of the design unless the design is stamped by a qualified professional. For projects that require an engineering or technical design, the design work must be carried out by a qualified professional or by an individual with demonstrated training and experience. Engineering or technical design work may be an eligible cost as a standalone item. Engineering or design costs should be included as part of the BMP costs or as a stand-alone for structures that require engineering approval (i.e., structures, roofs, etc.).

  • If by regulatory statute the engineering or technical design must be carried out by an appropriately qualified professional, the term qualified professional means an applied scientist or technologist specializing in a relevant applied science or technology including, but not necessarily limited to, agrology, forestry, biology, engineering, geomorphology, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or landscape architecture. An appropriately qualified professional must be registered in British Columbia with the appropriate professional organization and acting under that association’s Code of Ethics and subject to disciplinary action by that association. They must also be someone who, through demonstrated suitable education, experience, accreditation, and knowledge relevant to the matter, may be reasonably relied on to provide advice within their area of expertise.
  • If there is no regulatory requirement for the engineering or technical design to be carried out by a qualified professional, the technical design may be carried out by an individual who has suitable education, experience, accreditation, and knowledge, and may be reasonably relied on to provide advice within his or her area of expertise.

Funding may be provided for the environmental enhancing components (incremental costs) of new or existing equipment. This is based on a project justification, cost estimates and may be subject to a technical review by appropriate experts. Equipment (e.g., mowers, sprayers, spreaders, wood residue grinders, etc.) purchases must only be new equipment or if used, they must be from a recognized and reputable farm equipment dealer who certifies the equipment has been reconditioned and is in good working order.

The program requires you to provide proof of payment for all invoices, and proof of payment must be under the Legal Name on your application. Proof of payment can be a paid company invoice(s) showing the amount as fully paid with a zero-balance owing and the contact information for the company, processed cheque with invoice, or credit card statement as evidence of payment. Cash payments will not be eligible unless accompanied by an official company voucher and proof of payment. Financing or monthly payments to a contractor will not be eligible. Barter/exchange transactions are not eligible.

There is no farm cap for any farm that has or is participating in the BMP Program in 2023/24 and 2024/25. A per-farm cap may be reinstated in future intakes and program years. Those operations that participated in the BMP program under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), Continuity Year, Growing Forward, Growing Forward 2, and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) agreements will have their funding caps reset, and those farms will now be eligible for
and can continue to access the program until such time as their farm cap has been reached

The maximum amount of eligible costs for materials is $20.00 per meter at the cost-share for the applicable practice code. This is regardless of whether the fence is installed by the applicant or by a fencing contractor 

Funding for partial projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are eligible only when the partial projects, on their own, achieve significant environmental risk reduction. Requests for consideration must include justification or evidence of regulatory agency documentation which may have delayed project completion.

The primary purpose for allowing in-kind contributions to cover a portion of the project costs is to reduce the cash cost to the applicant.

  • Eligible for in-kind:
    • Reasonable hours of labour invested by the applicant, his/her dependants and business partner(s) may be claimed.
    • Equipment costs associated with equipment owned by the applicant and considered essential to implement the approved project.
    • The maximum allowable in-kind labour and equipment rates are:
Category Description Rate
Labour General labour (e.g., building, planting etc.) $21.40/hour
Small Equipment & Labour Farm Tractor and Implements – up to 80 hp (does not include hand tools or motorized tools less than 25 hp) $64.15/hour
Medium Equipment & Labour Farm Tractor and Implements – 80 to 120 hp (e.g., tandem axle dump truck) $96.20/hour
Large Equipment & Labour Farm Tractor and Implements – greater than 120 hp (e.g., excavator, loader backhoe or land scraper) $150/hour
  • If approved, actual labour and equipment hours must be tracked and submitted.
  • Not eligible for in-kind funding:
    • Materials or supplies in a farm’s inventory (on-hand), or products produced on the farm and contributed to the project by the applicant.
    • Applicant costs associated with education, project planning, supervision, or administration.
  • For all Categories the total estimated in-kind contributions are limited to 25% of the total eligible project costs.
  • For in-kind related to fencing projects – in-kind labour and equipment for producer-installed fencing will be reviewed for applicant-installed fences. In-kind costs can equal the receipted value of purchased fence materials. If approved, actual labour and equipment hours must be tracked and submitted.
  • For in-kind related to shelterbelts, hedgerows, and vegetative buffers planting – see the Tree and Shrub Planting tab in this section.

If a farm business plans to claim in-kind contributions, accurate estimates must be reflected in the total project cost submitted with the project application. All proposed use of in-kind labour and equipment must be identified on the initial BMP project application. Refer to the BMP Application Form for more details. IAF will make a final determination, on what the number of hours and a reasonable rate is for the hours claimed, based on the BMP being implemented and the nature of the work performed.

All projects must abide by all applicable federal, provincial, and local government laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the Federal and Provincial environmental assessment and protection acts, trade agreements, and zoning bylaws. It is the responsibility of the applicant, not the Program, to ensure compliance.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is responsible for providing a livestock and poultry premises identification system for the BC livestock sector. A premises is any parcel of land where animals are kept, assembled, raised, or disposed of. Premises ID is an important part of a full traceability system that also includes animal identification and animal movement. In the event of an animal health or disaster emergency, the faster suspect animals can be identified, the better. To be eligible for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership program funding livestock operations that are required to register with the B.C. Premises Identification Program must provide their 9-digit B.C. Premises Identification Number.

A Premises Identification Number is a unique national number assigned to a piece of land by the government of British Columbia and is a critical component of the National Livestock Traceability System. If you have livestock or poultry on your property, you are required to provide your 9-digit BC Premises Identification Number (e.g., BC33A13P4 or BC44TR55E) to be eligible for this cost-shared funding. If you have not previously registered your premises with the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, please visit the BC Premises ID Program website at www.gov.bc.ca/premisesidprogram or email BCPID@gov.bc.ca or call (Toll Free) 1-888-221-7141 or (604) 556-3001 to register your premises.

Funding for projects that are expected to take longer than the set deadline for the project category (for example, for Riparian and Grazing Projects, there is a set deadline of +140 days from the Project Approval/Start Date) and/or projects that are expected to span more than one fiscal year (April – March) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applications that intend to span more than one fiscal year must indicate the work that will occur in each project year and the budget associated with that work. It should be noted that projects that span more than one fiscal year will still only be entitled to the same Maximum Total Funding Amount for the one Fiscal Year (for example, for Riparian and Grazing Projects, the maximum total funding amount would remain $70,000). Requests for consideration must include justification for extending the project. 

Eligible farm or ranch operations are not limited to number of project or equipment related BMP applications per year per eligible farm enterprise.

Farm or ranch operations that have completed a NMP between April 1, 2016, and February 28th, 2019, are only eligible for funding under these practice codes if their NMP no longer meets the “in-force” Sections of The Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management (BC Reg 8/2019). Operations that have not previously completed a NMP are eligible to access these practice codes if all other BMP Program eligibility requirements are met.

A detailed quote and CV are required from the preparer of the plan or design. The subsequent invoice will be required from a contractor who is proposed to complete or has completed the work. The quote and invoice should include itemized charges for consulting services and costs (i.e., hours, testing, and travel). Reports must clearly indicate issue(s) requiring action and the recommended actions or equipment required to achieve the desired agri-environmental outcomes (e.g., type of equipment currently in place and recommended new equipment).

All projects must be completed by the deadline outlined in their funding approval letter.  Work, invoices, and project summary reports must be completed and dated on or before the deadline date outlined in the approval letter.  Projects will be considered cancelled if the paperwork is not received by the deadline date; the funding will then be reallocated to other projects.

If a project extension is required, the applicant may request written approval by program administration to extend their project work beyond the deadline date. A project extension will only be considered in extenuating circumstances (i.e., delays because of regulatory approval or significant environmental conditions such as forest fires or flooding). 

Projects will be considered ineligible for funding if any portion of the project has been initiated prior to the beginning of the fiscal year (April 1, 2024).

Each eligible project constitutes a single application, but some projects may include more than one practice code. Category caps still apply.

Program policy sets a percentage maximum amount of government funds which can be used towards the total project costs. For Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership environmental and climate programming this has been set at 100% of the total eligible costs of the BMP Project.

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., weather stations) are not eligible for reimbursement.  The exception to this would be the one-time rental of equipment or tools required for construction of a project (e.g., excavators).

The maximum amount of eligible cost for any tree or shrub planting materials is $85 per tree/shrub, exclusive of establishment costs. This applies to contractor or applicant planting. 

  • Where a contractor supplies and installs plants, there is no in-kind eligibility.
  • Where an applicant completes the planting, the in-kind labour and equipment categories above will be used.

Resources

FAQ

Will IAF consider multi-year BMP Projects for funding approval?2024-02-05T14:48:45-08:00

IAF will consider multi-year projects for the current intakes, however these will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applications that intend to span more than one fiscal year must indicate the work that will occur in each project year and the budget associated with that work. It should be noted that projects that span more than one fiscal year will still only be entitled to the same Maximum Total Funding Amount for the one Fiscal Year (for example, for Riparian and Grazing Projects, the maximum total funding amount would remain $70,000). Requests for consideration must include justification for extending the project beyond the standard project completion timeline. 

When will payment(s) be received?2024-02-05T14:48:10-08:00

IAF provides payments by EFT (direct deposit). To get your EFT information set up to ensure timely delivery of your payment(s) please follow the directions provided here to update your client portal.

Payments will be made based on actual expenses reported, and payments will be made in arrears. All projects require an approved report to receive payment.

When can I expect to hear back about a funding decision?2024-02-05T14:47:42-08:00

Funding decisions for complete applications will be communicated to applicants within 8 weeks of the program’s close or the application submission if in the case of an ongoing intake window.

IAF will return incomplete applications to applicants via the IAF Client Portal for resubmission with missing information/clarifications requested. IAF will complete adjudication and notification of funding decisions within eight weeks of application resubmission.

What proof of equipment (or similar) purchase do you require?2024-02-05T14:46:49-08:00

When reporting, you may be asked to submit an image of the equipment (or similar) serial number; this serial number must match the serial number on the submitted invoice.

What is the difference between the application and submission window?2024-02-05T14:51:19-08:00

The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program is a first-come, first-serve program. For the 2024 application window, we heard feedback that applicants wanted to have time to review the application before submissions start to see the specific application questions and requirements and to start preparing their application before submissions begin.

The application window is the two-week period where an applicant is able to view, draft, and save their application. The submission window is the 6-day period where an applicant can submit their application.

What if my project requires a permit?2024-02-05T14:47:15-08:00

Please provide the status of the permit and any supporting documentation at the time of application.

My total project costs are more than the funding cap for the program, what do I do?2024-02-05T14:49:59-08:00

Please only submit costs up to the cap of the category/project. If you exceed the program/project cap on your application, you will receive an error and will need to adjust your application details before you are able to submit.

Is GST an eligible cost as part of my project expenses?2024-02-05T14:45:45-08:00

No, GST is not eligible for reimbursement.

I cannot submit my application due to a ‘total funding requested’ error, how do I submit?2024-02-05T14:49:26-08:00

If you receive an error similar to the error below, please adjust your project costs to be below or at the maximum funding amount. We acknowledge that projects may cost more to complete – but the request may not exceed the amount due to system limitations.

How long does it take to register my organization? Is this included in the deadline?2024-02-05T14:45:13-08:00

Your organization must register through the IAF Client Portal to apply to IAF programs. Please note, if you have not already registered, this process can take up to 2 business days and must be completed before the application deadline.

How long can I take to complete my project?2024-02-05T14:46:25-08:00

The completion date of your project is dependent on the BMP category you apply for, as well as the project start date. Please see Important Dates for details.

Do I have to complete the SCAP Demographic Data form again if I’ve applied for one or more SCAP programs/projects?2024-02-27T08:56:31-08:00

No, provided the last time you completed the form was in the same fiscal year, you can input the confirmation number provided by the Ministry into another application form.

If you last completed the form a year or more ago, please complete a new Demographic Data Collection Survey for IAF Applicants.

Can I change the BMP category on my application after I have started?2024-02-05T14:50:26-08:00

Yes. However, please remove all numbers entered in the previously chosen BMP practice code. If you do not remove the previously entered numbers, they will affect the total funding requested calculation at the end of your application.

Beneficial Management Practices Program Guide

Download the Beneficial Management Practices Program Guide.

Funding Acknowledgement Requirements

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

Land Owner Statement

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

Need a Contractor?

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

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 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.

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

© BC Investment Agriculture Foundation. All rights reserved.

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