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Beneficial Management Practices Program

Beneficial Management Practices Program2025-02-13T08:56:58-08:00

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).

Getting Started with the BMP Program

A complete and up-to-date Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is required to access Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program funding. BMP funding is intended to address EFP-identified 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.

NEW! EFP Expiry Grace Period
For the 2025/26 fiscal year, a grace period of up to 6 months is in place for EFP’s, 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.

The Beneficial Management Practices program is split into seven categories:

  • Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs Projects
    • This category has funding for many prerequisites required by the other BMP activities
  • Biodiversity Projects
  • Energy & Fuel Efficiency Projects
  • Nutrient & Waste Management Projects
  • Riparian & Grazing Projects
  • Soil Carbon Projects
  • Water Infrastructure Projects

We encourage you to explore the various eligible activities for the project you’re interested in completing. Please pay special attention to the prerequisites as you may need to complete a plan or design prior to applying. Once you’ve determined the activities you’ll be applying for, 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.

Quick Links:

About the Program

BMP Categories

How to Apply

Notifications & Obligations

Resources & Definitions

Sign up for BMP Updates


Area of Interest:

Background

The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program works 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.

Program Objective & Goal

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

To be eligible for BMP funding, applicants must have of a current EFP.

Program Structure

The BMP Program offers funding to farmers and ranchers completing two types of projects:

  1. Planning/design projects. These projects facilitate the on-farm adoption of practices or technologies.
  2. On-farm equipment/infrastructure projects. On-farm equipment/infrastructure projects facilitate the sustained adoption (ongoing implementation) of practice or technology.

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

Important Dates

Applicants to the BMP program will apply through the IAF Client Portal.  Applicants are invited to start (i.e., draft, edit, and view) their applications before the submission window opens. Application submissions will open at 9:00 AM PST and be accepted until 4:00 PM PST on the posted dates. Applications are reviewed and adjudicated using a first-come, first-served approach.

BMP Category Applications Open Submissions Open Applications Close
Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs January 14, 2025 January 14, 2025 Ongoing until funding fully committed
Water Infrastructure January 14, 2025 February 10, 2025 February 21, 2025 February 12, 2025
Biodiversity February 20, 2025 March 13, 2025 March 20, 2025
Riparian & Grazing February 20, 2025 March 13, 2025 March 20, 2025
Energy & Fuel Efficiency March 4, 2025 March 25, 2025 April 1, 2025
Nutrient & Waste Management March 4, 2025 March 25, 2025 April 1, 2025
Soil Carbon March 4, 2025 March 25, 2025 April 1, 2025

Eligibility Details

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.
  • The farm or ranch operation must be in British Columbia and have valid “Farm Class” land as designated by the BC Assessment Authority or be a First Nations agricultural operation with designated authority to use the land.
  • The applicant must have a valid business (GST) number.
  • Have completed the prerequisite activities required for 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 the Program Manager.

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 maximum funding amount has been established of $100,000. This means that in addition to the category caps listed below, a lifetime cap has been established for the remainder of the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership Initiative (April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027)
    • EXCEPTION: For 2025/26 the BMP: Water Infrastructure category has a cap in place of $200,000.
  • 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:

  • 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.

BMP Category Details

Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs

Cost-Shared Ratios:

  • Basic Plans: 100%
  • Complex Plans: 80%
  • Designs: 80%
  • Biogas: 80%

Maximum funding amount: Varies by plan. See the details in Plans, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs Appendix
Project Length: 90 days from Project Approval

The Planning, Technical Assessments or Engineered Designs category funds 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).

Want to see examples of what you can achieve via funding from the Beneficial Management Practices Program?

Biodiversity

Cost Shared Ratio: 50%
Maximum funding amount: Up to $25,000
Project Length: 140 days from Project Approval

The Biodiversity project category funds projects such as the establishment of shelterbelts or tree buffers (1901) or the creation of pollinator habitats (2207)

Energy & Fuel Efficiency

Cost Shared Ratio: 30%
Maximum funding amount: Up to $50,000
Project Length: 140 days from Project Approval

The Energy & Fuel Efficiency project category funds projects like the replacement of fossil fuel driven equipment or motors with electrical equipment or motors (3302.1) or the replacement of fossil fuel driven engines with electric battery pack (3302.4)

Nutrient & Waste Management

Cost-Shared Ratio: 50%
Maximum funding amount: Up to $50,000
Project Length: 140 days from Project Approval

The Nutrient & Waste Management project category funds projects such as the composting of agricultural waste (0803) and the improvement of liquid manure storage – dairy only (0100)

Riparian & Grazing

Cost Shared Ratio: 60%
Maximum funding amount: $70,000
Project Length: 140 days from Project Approval

The Riparian & Grazing project category funds projects such as fencing to manage and improve riparian condition and function (1003) and alternative watering systems to manage livestock (1001)

Soil Carbon

Cost Shared Ratio: 50%,
Maximum funding amount: Up to $35,000
Project Length: 140 days from Project Approval

The Soil Carbon project category funds projects like transitioning to conservation/no-till tillage (3306.2) or preventing soil compaction (0012.0)

Water Infrastructure

Cost Shared Ratio: 75%
Maximum total funding amount: Up to $200,000. This increase in funding cap is supported by the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program.
Project Length: 140 days from Project Approval

The Water Infrastructure project category funds projects like irrigation systems – new and existing (1804), water meters, backflow prevention devices, or other flow-measuring devices (1808), and improved irrigation system management and irrigation scheduling (1802)

Project Profiles & Successes

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:

Click the ‘+’ to expand. 

This is the information needed for your account, all starred (*) information should be kept for ease of reference when completing your application

  • Name *
  • Job Title
  • Phone Number
  • Email

This is the information needed for your organization to be validated in the IAF Client Portal, all starred (*) information should be kept for ease of reference when completing your application

  • Legal Organization Name (either Federal or BC) *
  • Operating Name (if different from legal) *
  • Organization Type (select from a dropdown menu) *
  • Organization Address
  • Organization Email
  • Organization Phone
  • Organization 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 4-digit (select from a dropdown menu – click here for guide) *
  • Primary Purpose of Operation (select from a dropdown menu) *
  • Sector Group (select from a dropdown menu) *
  • Region (select from a dropdown menu)
  • Brief Organizational Profile

Items marked with a star (*) will need to be entered into your application, keep them on hand for ease of reference.

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.

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:

Click the ‘+’ to expand. 

This section is where you will answer relevant organization information questions, the starred (*) information you kept from Organization Registration will answer most questions.

  • Organization Name
  • Primary and Secondary Contact Information
  • Business Type
  • Farm Status
  • Premises ID (if applicable)
  • CRA Business Number
  • Organization Type
  • Sector Group
  • Primary Purpose
  • Organization Registration Date
  • NAICS Code (4 digits)
  • Updated NAICS Code (5 digits)

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
  • Your Planning Advisor’s Name
  • Name on EFP Statement of Completion

After, you will be asked for a project summary that will require information such as your farmland 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 which covers and defines the:

  • Binding Agreement
  • Services
  • Start Date and End Date
  • IAF Funding for Services
  • Third-Party Workers
  • Representations of Client
  • Release and Indemnity
  • Miscellaneous
  • Demographic Information Terms
  • Terms and Conditions

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
  • Quotes for the work to be completed

If Applicable

  • Supporting Lease Documentation
  • Proof of water license for proposed use
  • Water license 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

Optional

  • Maps/Sketch/Photos of the project location

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.

New This Year! Book a Call

There are now more ways to get in contact with the IAF Team!

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. Visit the category page to book.

The IAF Team is still available at 250.940.6150 during business hours and by email.

Review and Adjudication

All applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. 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.

There is a farm cap of $100,000 for any farm that is participating in the BMP Program in 2025/26, this cap is superseded only by the Water Infrastructure category cap of $200,000. This increase in funding cap is supported by the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program.

Projects are expected to be completed by the set deadline per the specific project categories below:

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, book a call with IAF staff, or call IAF during business hours.

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-serve 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 become 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 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 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.

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

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

  • Management plans or designs as required.
  • Legible sketches or drawings with labels indicating the 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: These 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 must identify the environmental issue and the neighbouring operations working to resolve it. They must also 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 agents 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 Sustainable 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.
  • 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 2025/26 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 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 that a qualified professional carry out the engineering or technical design, 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, a processed cheque with an invoice, or a 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 a farm cap of $100,000 for any farm that is participating in the BMP Program in 2025/26, this cap is superseded only by the Water Infrastructure category cap of $200,000.

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 are now 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, 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 Tree and Shrub Planting.

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 uses 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 the number of hours and a reasonable rate 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. A 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, applicants are required to register with the BC Premises Identification Program must provide their 9-digit BC 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 the number of projects—or equipment-related BMP applications per year per eligible farm enterprise.

Farm or ranch operations that have completed an 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 an 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).

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, 2025).

Each eligible project constitutes a single application, but some projects may include more than one practice code. Category caps and farm 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 to construct 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.

Vertical farming businesses will be exempt from the farm class status eligibility requirement of the BMP program for the following categories: Planning, Technical Assessments or Engineered Designs, Energy and Fuel Efficiency, Nutrient & Waste Management, and Biodiversity. Vertical farm applicants will be required to provide documentation demonstrating that 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.

Resources

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 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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